SALIENTs-RECOMMENDATIONS OF water committe

[Muhammad Akmal]

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON WATER RESOURCES
Pakistan is an agricultural country with largest
contiguous irrigation network in the world. About 64% its
population resides in the rural area, 57% of rural workforce is
engaged in agriculture and 23% of GDP is attributed to
agriculture. However, the per capita availability of water, which
was 5650 cubic meters in 1951, has been reduced to 1200 cubic
meters and is projected to drop to the critical limit of 1000 cubic
meters by 2010. This is a very alarming situation and it is,
therefore, of utmost importance that water is used judiciously,
efficiently and wastage of water should be avoided.
2. Pakistan largely depends on the flow of Western
Rivers (Indus, Jhelum and Chenab) after the Indus Waters Treaty
of 1960 with India. Flows of Western rivers are highly erratic with
a maximum flow of about 186 MAF to a minimum of 97 MAF.
There is also seasonal variation in the flows with 84% in Kharif.
This necessitates that surplus water in Kharif be stored for
supplementing water when its availability is inadequate. Pakistan’s
current storage capacity is only 9% of the available water
resources against World’s average of 40%.
3. The Salient Features of recommendations and views
of the Technical committee on Water Resources (TCWR)
appointed by the Government are as given below:-
(1) Water Accord of 1991 is sacrosanct and should be
followed in letter and spirit.
(2) There is consensus that on the average 35.2 MAF
water is available annually which had been going to
sea during 1976-2003. It should be harnessed for
development of future reservoirs and uses.
(3) There is unequivocal consensus on immediate
construction of new reservoirs.
(4) There is complete satisfaction over the studies
regarding escapages below Kotri.
(5) All members agree that Kalabagh and Basha Dam can
be constructed. One member has, however, observed
that no diversion of water should be allowed from the
dams. The Chairman of the Committee has observed
that the construction of only one of the two dams, of
which feasibility is available, can be started with edge
for Basha Dam over Kalabagh Dam.
(6) All members have no objection to the current
distribution methodology being followed by IRSA.
Chairman of the Committee is, however, of the view
that exempting NWFP and Balochistan from sharing of
shortages in water is a violation of the Accord. IRSA’s
view is that NWFP and Balochistan are unable to fully
utilize even their due share during surpluses and can
be allowed flexibility under Para 3 of the Accord.
Decisions taken by majority vote by IRSA for water
distribution are in accordance with the IRSA Act.
(7) Seven members, giving the majority views, have
expressed full satisfaction over IRSA’s filling of
Mangla reservoir and operation of link canals, as IRSA
is the competent authority under the Act. The
Chairman TCWR and one member have shown
reservations and emphasized the need for legal
guarantees and assurance that the criteria will be
faithfully followed. Chairman of TCWR also differs with
the current regulation by IRSA. IRSA has stated that
the operation of these canals is being done on the
basis of actual water availability in the rivers and the
principle of equitable water distribution according to
Water Accord Allocations.