Khawaja Zaheer Ahmed - PDMA

studies that Pakistan receives more than 136 MAF of water annually; of which
80% comes in June to September during SW monsoon; remaining 2/3 of the year
when the Rabi food / cash crops are sown and grown mostly face frequent
shortages of irrigation supplies, even in normal years, not to speak of periodical
drought cycles that create serious tensions amongst upper and lower riparians of
the Federating units. Out of the total availability, Wapda noted that during 67 wet-
days of 2010 Flood season, 55 MAF flowed into the Arabian sea; its previous
records show even higher escapes of 92 MAF in 1995, 81 MAF in 1992 and
1978 and 69 MAF in 1976. With 15 % storage capacity, enough for 30 days of
irrigation requirements, presently, Pakistan has the capacity to ensure food
security for 172 million besides generating a modest export surplus, mainly rice.
Growing needs of rising population indicate a need for political consensus to
expand and optimise Mother Nature’s free gifts rather than living on international
dole or inviting its wrath; two major disasters of 2005 and 2010, both in Ramadan
must be heeded to. Delays are neither conducive for national objectives nor due
recognition of nature’s free gift. A study has shown total annual availability of
water in Pakistan as given in the table below:-
ANNUAL RIVER FLOWS
(MAF)
River Apr-Jun Jul-Sept Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Annual Flow
Indus 27.9 48.7 7.1 5.8 89.5
Jhelum 9.9 8.2 1.8 2.7 22.6
Chenab 6.7 13.1 1.7 2.0 23.5
Total 46.5 70.0 10.6 10.5 135.6
Source: Indus Waters Treaty in Retrospect by Mr. Bashir A. Malik, Chief
Technical Advisor UNO (R)
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