THE worsening water crisis in Sindh demands immediate attention before it escalates into an irreversible disaster. The province’s groundwater levels are plummeting at an alarming rate due to excessive extraction, poor management and climate change.

Sindh’s agrarian economy, which feeds millions, relies heavily on groundwater. However, unchecked tubewell usage and inefficient irrigation practices have led to severe depletion, forcing the farmers to dig deeper wells which often encounter saline water.

This not only increases costs, but also degrades soil fertility. Major cities, like Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur, face acute water stress, with residents relying on expensive and unreliable water tanker supplies. The situation is dire in rural areas, where women and children walk miles to fetch contaminated water.

The climate change phenomenon has worsened the crisis, with erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts reducing surface water availability. Meanwhile, unchecked urbanisation and industrial waste are further polluting the remaining reserves.

The lack of effective policies, poor enforcement of water regulations, and political apathy have allowed the problem to fester.

To avert a possible catastrophe, the government must enforce laws to penalise illegal extractions, promote rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge projects, invest in modern irrigation (drip/sprinkler systems), and launch public awareness campaigns regarding water conservation.

Sindh cannot afford delay. Policymakers, the media and civil society must unite to implement sustainable solutions. And this should be done without any delay.

Dr Pervez Ahmed Shar
Khairpur Mirs

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2025