The Looming Groundwater Crisis
Dr Ikramullah
Bajaur: The deterioration of subsurface water levels is a global challenge that is poised to escalate into one of the most critical problems facing future generations. For years, the depletion of groundwater has been an insidious issue, fueled by climate change, environmental mismanagement, and unsustainable practices.
As we move forward, the consequences of this crisis will be dire—not just for access to drinking water, but for agriculture, the environment, and societal stability. Without prompt action, the world risks facing widespread water scarcity that will jeopardize livelihoods, exacerbate food insecurity, and strain economies.
Groundwater accounts for approximately half of the world’s drinking water, 40 percent of irrigation needs, and around one-third of industrial water consumption. However, the alarming rate at which the water table is declining—due to over-extraction—threatens the very foundation of our water systems.
The World Bank estimates that over 2.5 billion people depend on groundwater for daily consumption, yet many major aquifers are being depleted at unsustainable rates. If left unchecked, this could create a future in which clean, accessible water becomes a rarity, especially in regions already grappling with water stress.
Pakistan’s situation serves as a stark reminder of how rapidly the crisis is unfolding. Groundwater meets about 60 percent of the country’s irrigation needs, but the rate of depletion is disturbingly high, with water tables dropping by 0.5 meters annually in various regions, particularly urban and agricultural areas. In fact, if the current trajectory continues, the cities of Islamabad and Quetta may face “zero water” by 2025.
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The Indus Basin, which underpins Pakistan’s agricultural sector, is also witnessing significant groundwater depletion. A 2019 report by the World Resources Institute ranked Pakistan among the top 17 countries experiencing extreme water stress.
But the situation is even more dire in regions like erstwhile FATA, particularly District Bajaur. There, almost every household, mosque, and hujra (community hall) is equipped with underground water pumping systems, many of which are powered by solar energy. These systems, while initially designed to help, have led to excessive water extraction, further accelerating the depletion of the water table. The demand for water has risen to unsustainable levels, and as a result, people are being forced to leave their homes and agricultural lands in search of water.
The migration from rural, water-scarce areas to urban centers exacerbates a host of socio-economic problems. The overcrowding of cities leads to the loss of agricultural land, increased pressure on urban infrastructure, and heightened competition for resources. But the most pressing concern remains the degradation of water resources, which threatens agricultural productivity, food security, and access to clean drinking water for millions.
This crisis has far-reaching consequences. As the water table falls, accessing potable water becomes increasingly difficult, pushing communities toward more expensive and resource-intensive methods of extraction.
Agricultural production suffers as farmers are unable to irrigate their fields effectively, which in turn affects food supply and stability.
Furthermore, the environmental damage is profound: drying wetlands, shrinking rivers, and the destruction of ecosystems and biodiversity all stem from the depletion of underground water sources. These issues create a vicious cycle of environmental degradation, economic instability, and growing social tensions.
Addressing this looming crisis requires immediate, decisive action. First and foremost, the government must implement strict regulations to curb further depletion of groundwater. New projects that pump water through solar-powered systems should be banned in the Annual Development Plan to prevent additional strain on aquifers.
It is also crucial to impose stricter limits on the extraction of water in areas where it is being wasted or overused. For instance, vehicle service stations, which consume large amounts of water for washing, should be required to adopt water-saving technologies.
Additionally, innovative measures must be introduced to make better use of existing water sources. Perennial streams should be diverted to agricultural lands through gravity-fed systems and infiltration galleries, which would ensure water is used more efficiently. Regulations on public water supply schemes should also be enforced to limit usage and promote conservation. For instance, limiting water supply to three hours daily could help reduce overall consumption.
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Public awareness is equally vital
Citizens need to be educated about the importance of water conservation and the dangers of over-extraction. By promoting sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and wastewater recycling for non-potable uses, communities can contribute to mitigating the water crisis.
Furthermore, the construction of dams and check dams will not only store water but also recharge groundwater levels, control floods, and facilitate water harvesting. Such infrastructure can play a pivotal role in stabilizing water availability and supporting agricultural resilience.
The decline in groundwater levels is not a localized issue; it is a global environmental crisis that requires urgent attention.
The shift from manual well-digging to mechanical drilling has made it easier to access deeper water reserves, but it has also led to over-extraction. Combined with a lack of effective water management and conservation strategies, this has accelerated groundwater depletion. As demand for water intensifies, especially in rural and agricultural regions, the pressure on already fragile aquifers is mounting, leading to dangerously low water levels.
Without intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate, leaving future generations with a legacy of water scarcity, environmental damage, and economic hardship. It is incumbent upon governments, communities, and individuals to act now, to ensure that the precious resource of water is preserved for the generations to come.
The time to act is not tomorrow; it is today.
The writer is a government servant in KP’s Tribal Region, serving in a capacity that likely involves administration or governance within the region.
