Quetta’s Groundwater Levels Fall Dramatically in 10 Years

Danish Hussain Lehri

Quetta: Ten years ago, when Mama Ismail began extracting water through tube wells, the water level was approximately 180 to 200 feet.

Since then, the level has gradually dropped to around 1100 feet.

The absence of nearby dams has also contributed to the declining water levels.

While significant rainfall or snowfall can cause a slight rise in the water level, the increase is not substantial.

Mama Ismail, who has been working with tube wells near the western mountains of Quetta for the past 20 years and supplies water via tankers to various parts of the city, explained the levels at which they used to extract water and the extent to which it has decreased over time.Quetta city is rapidly approaching a water scarcity crisis, which, if not addressed, could lead to significant human and economic losses in the future.

Many cities in Pakistan with populations similar to Quetta’s meet their daily water needs through dams. For instance, Hub Dam in Balochistan partially fulfills the water requirements of Karachi and its surrounding areas.

In stark contrast, 94 percent of Quetta’s daily water needs are met through tube wells, posing a potential future problem.

Similar to Quetta, regions like Lasbela, Turbat, and Zhob have also faced water scarcity issues in the recent past. 

Quetta Needs Dams

The growing populations in these areas necessitated a substantial water supply, leading to the construction of dams to resolve their water issues. 

Consequently, Hub Dam was built for Karachi and Lasbela, Mirani Dam for Turbat and its surrounding areas, and Sabakzai Dam for Zhob, serving both domestic and agricultural purposes.

Before modern dams, Karachi, Lasbela, Turbat and Zhob relied on traditional methods like wells, rainwater harvesting, and natural springs to meet their water needs. In Karachi, people used groundwater from wells and collected rainwater in tanks.

In Lasbela, the karez system and small dams captured rainwater, with additional reliance on natural springs and seasonal streams. 

As the population grew, these traditional methods became insufficient, necessitating the construction of modern dams. Mirani Dam on the Dasht River near Turbat and Sabakzai Dam on the Sawar River near Zhob have been crucial. Mirani Dam enhances irrigation, flood control, and drinking water supply, while Sabakzai Dam supports irrigation and mitigates water shortages. 

The Hub Dam near Karachi plays a crucial role in supplying water to both Karachi and Lasbela

These dams have significantly enhanced water management, ensuring a reliable water supply for drinking and agriculture, while also mitigating the impacts of droughts and water scarcity in Balochistan.

In rural areas, traditional practices still help supplement water needs.

Sustainable Water Solutions

Experts warn that if Quetta city continues to meet its water demand through tube wells, leading to a further decline in groundwater levels, residents may be forced to relocate.

Some experts suggest that recharging Quetta’s water level is the only viable solution.

Professor Imran Badini from the Geology Department at the University of Balochistan explained that from 2010 to 2023, Quetta’s groundwater level has dropped by approximately 30 meters. Additionally, from 2008 to 2022, the ground in Quetta has subsided by nearly 2 meters.

Professor Badini identified the primary causes of the declining water level as the substantial water needs of agricultural areas and the city’s rapidly increasing population. 

Quetta’s population has grown from 1.7 million in 2010 to over 2.5 million by 2023. This surge in agricultural and human water consumption has significantly lowered the water level.

To address this issue, Professor Badini suggested constructing check dams within the city and utilizing recycled water, which can also be used for agricultural purposes, to prevent the waste of groundwater.

He emphasized that even if success is achieved in balancing the water level through recycling and dams, maintaining it will require raising public awareness to prevent reckless water wastage.For instance, water is often wasted carelessly during household chores, and potable water is used unnecessarily at service stations. The government should impose restrictions to ensure that only non-potable water is used for such purposes.

Apart from dams and recycling, other methods can be employed to recharge Quetta’s groundwater level. Professor Badini suggested that water from the surrounding basins could be piped in to help replenish Quetta’s groundwater.

If no action is taken to address this problem, the future could bring severe consequences. Professor Badini warned that the expansion of internal cracks in the ground could result in significant human and financial losses.

Contaminated water mixing with the groundwater could lead to various diseases. Furthermore, the entry of polluted water into the aquifer could alter its structure, reducing its size and making it extremely difficult to recharge.

Mama Ismail emphasized that building dams could control the future water problem. If no action is taken, there might not be a single drop of water left in the future.

He noted that the water level, which was initially at 180 feet, has now dropped to 1100 feet. Without additional dams, Quetta will face severe water shortages.

Photo Credit: Danish Hussain Lehri

Additional input and edited: Shazia Mehboob