WATER, in a broader context, is an essential yardstick to assess the equation between climate and human lives. Experts believe that it is water that broadly contri- butes to the climate change phenomenon. For instance, if it vanishes, it unleashes severe droughts, and, if it abruptly increases, it causes intense flooding. In both cases it wreaks havoc.

Managing water to cope with both the extremities that impact human lives needs commitment and sustainable policies. In this backdrop, Sindh, having one of the vast irrigation systems that is made possible owing to the mighty Indus River, continues to grapple with water issues.

Coping with shortage of water requires a multifaceted approach, ranging from employing sustainable techniques to manage excessive use of water to adopting irrigation methods that ensure minimum waste of water. One such initiative is the Sindh Water and Agriculture Transfor-mation project, which is aimed at increasing water availability and enhancing irrigation techniques. The project’s main goal is to apply water management strategies in order to maximise the usage of the water resources that are currently accessible.

This approach entails building new water reservoirs, introducing effective water distribution systems, and renovating and updating the current irrigation infrastructure in the province. However, participation from the community is essential, and local farmers should be encouraged to contribute to the cause.

Fazal ur Rehman
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2024