THIS refers to the report ‘Despite floods, up to 20pc water shortage forecast for Rabi’ (Sept 27), according to which, 37 million acre feet (MAF) of water went into the sea. This is almost three times the combined capacity of Mangla and Tarbela dams.

We must not allow this to happen again. This year’s rains may become a regular feature in the coming years due to the climate change phenomenon. This ‘blue gold’ must be routed towards the existing shallow areas by converting them into thousands of lakes and ponds in Koh Suleman foothills.

Minnesota in the United States has more than 10,000 lakes, each spreading over 10-acre area or more. We can start digging using tractors or even shovels. These 10,000 lakes may not be possible by the next monsoon, but we can surely target 1,000. The following year we can have another 3,000 and by year 2025 we will have 10,000 lakes.

Imagine the benefits if we fill these lakes with rainwater instead of allowing it to play havoc with the lives of millions of people, destroying their livelihoods and homes.

Also, the virgin lands around these lakes can become fertile grounds for fruit orchards. We can even plant saffron and damask roses.

I am already imagining the poor people of Balochistan becoming proud owners of their own lush green lands, orchards and livestock.

S. Nayyar Iqbal Raza
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2022