Pakistan’s water woes- BLOG ACTION DAY

Water, the source of life and livelihood for millions is quickly becoming a commodity in third-world countries. Pakistan being one of them, water availability to each person per capita is steadily decreasing. Unchecked population growth and lack of reservoirs are the major factors behind this decrease but climate change is also creeping into the picture. From too dry to too wet weather patterns, the Pakistani climate is slowly but surely taking the unpredictable path.

Water pollution is the other aspect that is directly and indirectly affecting the health of people who live along the river banks as well as the ecosystem it houses.

The social implications are huge as water availability for each individual diminishes. The Indus River is a source of livelihood for more than a million people who live along its banks. Farming is their main source of income and that is under threat. If the farm yield decreases so will their income. More so, other than farming, they have no other skills to generate some kind of revenue. They are practically poor and do not own anything. The recent floods are a testament to the fact that climate change is rearing its ugly head and the floods have devastated the lives of millions and the long-term rehabilitation of the people will take months. As is common in third-world countries where resources “seem” scarce, the efficient use and collection of safe potable water rarely meets the priorities of the government of the day. That said, organizations like the UN, Oxfam, UNICEF, seem to be the only respite for the people. If it weren’t for them, there would have been a huge amount of social chaos.

Lastly, water pollution and the greater environmental degradation- a topic rarely given importance in this ill-fated country, remains unchecked. Industries situated along the rivers conveniently dump their waste (some of them toxic) in to the waters adding to the misery of the locals (including increasing health risks) and destroying the ecosystem that is yet to be fully studied.

The effective use of water, which if left unregulated, will soon make it a commodity accessible to those who can afford it. Not to mention that access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right. We mustn’t forget that preservation is the key for a sustainable future for the future generations. It would be selfish if we do not save it so that they too can enjoy the life that we have with the present supply of water. Use it well, every drop counts!

15th of Oct, is Blog Action Day organized by change.org. Please support their cause by donating.