An integrated and seamless approach is the need of the hour to deal with critical issues pertaining to water scarcity and water conservation in the province.
Joining hands at various levels is crucial as isolation is no longer an option to achieve sustainable development goals, especially regarding water conservation and environmental protection.
These views were expressed by the Balochistan Government Secretary Environment, Sports and Youth Affairs Asfandyar Kakar at a seminar titled ‘Groundwater: Making the invisible visible’, which was held in connection with World Water Day 2022.
The event was organized by Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), in collaboration with the Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP), BUITEMS, & GIZ, and the government of Pakistan. Besides others, the representatives from various line departments, CSOs, academia, students, and media were also present on the occasion.
Mr Kakar on the occasion highlighted the importance of joining hands at various levels to deal with critical issues related to water scarcity and said that working in isolation is no longer an option to achieve international standards, especially regarding water conservation and environmental protection.
PPAF Infrastructure Development Group Head, Shams Badruddin, said that PPAF has a longstanding commitment to the development of Balochistan. So far, more than 4000 projects have been completed in 19 remote districts, covering 92 union councils benefiting more than 1.6 million people across the province.
He informed the participants that PPAF’s work includes diverse interventions such as the provision of clean water, sanitation, delay action dams, Karez rehabilitation, irrigation system and flood protection structures.
He also emphasized all to realize that water is a scarce natural resource, and we need to join hands at every level to preserve this precious gift of the nature.
“Today’s event is a continuation of our collective efforts to address the acute water challenges facing Balochistan and several other parts of the country and to remind citizens about the need for responsible water usage, reduce waste and seek innovative solutions for sustainable and safe water supply.”
BUITEMS Vice-Chancellor Ahmed Farooq Bazai also shared their thought with the participants and highlighted various aspects of the water scarcity issues in Balochistan.
A panel discussion earlier was held where the experts from different sectors highlighted various issues including uncontrolled population growth, lack of urban planning and unregulated urbanization that are contributing further to aggravating the water-related issues.