Dear Editor,
Once again, Pakistan is facing devastating floods that have displaced thousands, damaged homes, and claimed lives across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The tragedy repeats itself almost every year, yet the underlying cause remains unaddressed, which is our inability to build and maintain enough dams.
Reports already show the damage: in Punjab, over 24,000 people have been evacuated as riverine floods threaten Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi districts. In KP, hundreds of lives have been lost, with homes, schools, and bridges destroyed. In Gilgit-Baltistan, glacial lake outburst floods continue to wreak havoc, which damages entire communities. Meanwhile, health facilities are overwhelmed with rising cases of malaria, fever, and infections.
The absence of sufficient dams leaves us unable to manage water flow during monsoon or store it for times of scarcity. Instead of benefiting from this natural resource, we allow it to turn into a disaster year after year. A stronger dam network would not only reduce flooding but also provide water security, irrigation benefits, and power generation for the nation.
It is time we stop treating floods as a seasonal surprise. Pakistan must prioritize dam construction and water management with urgency. Only then can we protect our people, safeguard livelihoods, and turn a recurring tragedy into a source of strength.
Sincerely,
Zoha Indhar
Sukkur