Groundwater Levels Are Dropping
Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan in terms of area, is going through a grave water crisis due to rapidly declining groundwater. In Quetta and the neighbouring districts, the level of the subsoil is going down at a horrifying rate of 3–4 feet each year. This sharp slump has rendered thousands of acres of fertile land sterile the farmers have been obliged to give up agriculture altogether.
Uncontrolled Tube Wells Aggravate the Issue
Over 30,000 tube wells have been sunk and are operating all over the province for domestic and other necessities. But nearly half of them are unregistered and governed by no rules. Encourage the excessive and unregulated use of underground water. This has resulted in a situation where underground water is being pumped out more rapidly than the aquifers can recharge naturally. The residents in some localities find it necessary to drill down to a depth of 700–1,000 ft before water can be obtained, an expensive and unsatisfactory solution to the problem.
On Agriculture and Livelihoods
The agriculture-based economy of Balochistan has been suffering severely from the water shortage. Crops, including wheat, fruits, and vegetables, are getting difficult to grow resulting food shortage and loss of income to the farmers. The products of rural areas, which are dependent on livestock, are feeling the pinch of water scarcity as their animals and means of subsistence are becoming jeopardized.
Immediate Need for Sustainable Answers
Experts say that unless immediate steps are taken portions of Balochistan will be rendered uninhabitable in the course of a few decades. The government should enforce rigid rules for the tube wells, promote water recycling, bring into use modern irrigation like drip systems and the system of sprinklers. Rain-water recovery and educational campaigns will also serve well in helping to destroy the necessity to use underground water.
