OVER the last two decades or so, ground water in the Potohar region, especially in areas around Rawalpindi and Islamabad, has declined to dangerous levels, while the lack of rain and water shortage have compounded the problem. However, this issue can be easily overcome by creating small check dams on waterways and water bodies at suitable intervals. These small structures allow water to permeate into the soil by reducing its flow.

Meanwhile, over a period of four to six years, these structures get filled with silt which increases seepage, thereby acting as long-term underground water storage worth millions of gallons. This method of raising subsurface water level is being practised in various arid as well as semi-arid regions across the world.

Adequate literature is available in the public domain to study its advantages or otherwise. The quarters concerned should take note of this extremely useful and cost-effective method of controlling water flows and raising ground water levels by taking necessary action.

Lt-Col (r) Muhammad Kaleem Ahmed
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2022