• On World Water Day, CM Murad calls for urgent action to protect water resources for future generations
• Questions how new canals can be constructed when Sindh’s fertile lands are already deprived of water

KARACHI: Expressing profound concern regarding a severe water shortage in the province, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has asked the federal government to ensure a fair distribution of water so that every province receives its rightful share.

In a statement released on World Water Day, he warned that the agriculture economy of the province was at serious risk due to diminishing water availability.

“The crisis has significantly impacted farmers and fishermen, whose livelihoods depend on the Indus River,” he said in a statement released on World Water Day.

He pointed out that the reduced water flow in the Indus River has jeopardised millions of jobs. He attributed the threat to the river’s existence to climate change and inequitable water distribution.

“The drying waves of the Indus River are a warning sign for life and agriculture,” he declared, reaffirming that Sindh will not compromise on its water rights.

He emphasised the Pakistan Peoples Party’s long-standing commitment to defending Sindh’s water rights.

Expressing strong concerns about the construction of new canals on the Indus river, the chief minister cautioned that such projects could worsen the water crisis in Sindh and lead to drought-like conditions.

He urged the federal government to ensure a fair distribution of water so that every province receives its rightful share.

“How can new canals be constructed when Sindh’s fertile lands are already deprived of water?” he asked, demanding immediate action to prevent a potential famine in the province.

Mr Shah called for urgent action to safeguard water resources for future generations.

The CM also highlighted the importance of protecting the Indus delta, asserting that its preservation is vital for Pakistan’s survival.

“The Indus river’s waters have not reached the Indus delta for years, resulting in the submergence of millions of acres of land into the sea,” he lamented.

Mr Shah assured that his government had formulated a robust strategy to address the water crisis and called for a collective effort to conserve every drop of water.

“Life is impossible without water; let us pledge today to protect every drop,” he said and urged the public to prevent water waste and ensure a sustainable future.

‘Desalination plant for Karachi’

Also on World Water Day, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that the provincial government had planned to bring seawater to the city after desalination as there was a huge gap between supply and demand in the city.

He said that the provincial government had taken vigorous steps to address the shortage of drinking water in the city.

He said that 29 modern chlorination stations were being built in different areas of the city at a cost of Rs290 million to protect citizens from waterborne diseases.

The mayor said an additional 40 million gallons of water would start coming to the city on August 14 after the completion of the Hub Canal project.

He said that new water lines were being laid at the Dhabeji Pumping Station.

The mayor also appealed to people to use water sparingly as its every drop was precious in the context of increasing global warming and expected drought.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2025