Title: Water resources management challenges and solutions in Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Water is the most essential component for survival of human along with their economic development. Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan by area is confronting severe drought conditions and water scarcity along with water quality issues. This menace condition is badly affecting agriculture sector, Livelihood and community health. Balochistan is less equipped to cope up with the consequences of the catastrophic climatic variation. In the gross domestic product (GDP) of Pakistan, over 26% is shared by the agriculture sector by engaging 44% of the total labour force. An inadequate ephemeral surface is available due to steep slope. Therefore, groundwater is merely the option left for executing agricultural activities along with other livelihood activities in 90% of regional area across the province whereas 10% of the area encounters water logging with worst groundwater quality concerns. A very limited research work is conducted on the issues relevant to water because of socio-economic, political and security concerns. Previously conducted studies have illustrated that in the entire province the quality of groundwater is affected due to a large amount of pathogens and high concentration of various contaminants. It is revealed by the studies of Pakistan Economic Survey that over 50 million inhabitants don’t have an access to safe water and 0.25 million children lost their lives across the country due to consumption of contaminated water. Approximately 72% of the rural residents of the province are dependent on streams and tube wells for their survival. This paper encompasses certain anthropogenic factors contaminating surface and groundwater including all other available resources of water. The best option to sustain water resources could be monitored the basin, develop hydrological modelling, and promote low delta crops. The stakeholders and active community participation along with serious and concrete measures could help to overcome water issues.

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