- By: Dr. Muhammad Tayyab Khan Singhanvi (Ph.D)
India’s sudden release of water into the Sutlej and Ravi rivers has once again raised pressing questions about Pakistan’s water security. This tragedy is not merely a natural calamity but the consequence of our collective negligence, administrative incompetence, and political indifference. A glance at the historical record reminds us that although the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 was a significant document regarding the distribution of river waters, India has repeatedly undermined the spirit of this agreement to serve its own objectives. Under the treaty, India was granted limited rights over the waters of the Ravi and Sutlej, but time and again it has used the pretext of seasonal variations and extraordinary circumstances to release water, unleashing destruction in Pakistan.
In recent incidents, India suddenly released water into the Sutlej River, causing dangerous rises in water levels at Head Sulaimanki and Head Islam. Embankments collapsed, thousands of acres of ripened crops were inundated, and many villages in Kasur, Pakpattan, and Bahawalnagar were submerged. Official records indicate that the water flow at Ganda Singh Wala reached as high as 129,000 cusecs classified as a medium to high-level flood. This is not the first such occurrence; recurring floods over the years have made it clear that we have failed to learn any lessons from the past.
The pressing question is: why are we still unable to take concrete measures for our defense? The fundamental reason lies in the persistent delay in dam construction and the government’s lack of attention to water management. A global comparison of water storage capacities reveals how far behind Pakistan lags. According to reports, Pakistan has only 153 dams over 15 meters in height, whereas India has 3,200 and China 8,400. Pakistan can store merely 10% of its annual water flow, while India has the capacity to store water for 220 days, Egypt for 1,000 days, and the United States for 900 days. This deficiency results in billions of gallons of precious water flowing into the sea every year water that, if stored, could not only mitigate flood damages but also prove vital during droughts.
The situation at the governmental level reflects sheer negligence and lack of seriousness. Mega projects such as the Diamer-Bhasha Dam have long remained in limbo. Political parties, instead of fulfilling their responsibilities, remain confined to hollow statements. National interest has been sacrificed for personal gain, and the result is that our future generations may face extreme water scarcity. Experts warn that if the situation remains unaddressed, Pakistan’s per capita water availability will decline further to 500 cubic meters by 2025 a figure that, by international standards, signifies absolute water scarcity.
When it comes to flood protection, the administration lacks any clear or comprehensive plan. Failure to repair embankments and to construct modern infrastructure leads to losses worth billions of rupees every year. The efforts of rescue agencies, though commendable, remain limited in scope. Early warning systems, timely evacuation arrangements, and public alerts are virtually non-existent. There appears to be no integrated strategy between the irrigation department and disaster management authorities, which is why the nation suffers devastating consequences year after year.
India’s so-called “water aggression” is, in reality, a mirror reflecting our own internal weaknesses. If we could build a network of dams across our rivers, modernize our canal systems, and adopt advanced irrigation techniques, India’s maneuvers would lose their impact. At the same time, we must assert our water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty more vigorously at international forums. In the current circumstances, figures such as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Hafiz Asim Munir have the potential to unite the provinces and build consensus on national projects like dam construction.
Considering the impact of climate change, our focus must extend beyond dams alone. We need to invest in recharging underground water reserves, harvesting rainwater, and introducing modern irrigation systems. At the public level, awareness campaigns through media and educational institutions are essential to foster a culture of water conservation.
The stark reality is that we stand on the brink of disaster not because of our adversary, but because of our own negligence. If we still fail to awaken to the gravity of the crisis and take concrete steps for water conservation, the future will bring only greater hardship. It is imperative that we put aside political differences, unite for the sake of national interest, and begin decisive action today for the secure and sustainable future of generations to come.