Underground Water Levels in Pakistan Decrease to Alarmingly Low Levels

Islamabad: Pakistan is experiencing a severe depletion of underground water resources, with Punjab showing particularly alarming figures. According to a government report, the province has lost access to underground water in 22.84% of its area. This marks a 5.66% increase in water depletion over the past six years.

1. Punjab’s Water Depletion:
   • Critical Levels: In Punjab, 36.17% of the area is nearing the complete depletion of underground water.
   • 1 to 5 Feet Depth: Water levels in this range have dwindled to just 0.48%, with a 3.2% reduction over six years.
   • 5 to 10 Feet Depth: This range has seen a drop to 6.40%, a significant 10.94% decrease in the same period.
   • 10 to 20 Feet Depth: Water availability at this depth has reduced to 34.07%, reflecting a 2.03% drop over six years.
2. Other Provinces’ Water Status:
   • Sindh and Balochistan:
     • 0.03% Depletion: Both provinces have experienced a marginal decrease of 0.03% in underground water availability.
     • Near Depletion: About 0.39% of these provinces are close to depleting their underground water reserves.
     • 1 to 5 Feet Depth: The level is critically low at 1.23%.
     • 5 to 10 Feet Depth: This level remains at 65.54%.
     • 10 to 20 Feet Depth: Water availability stands at 32.72%.
   • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP):
     • 32.96% Depletion: KP has seen significant depletion, with 32.96% of its area lacking underground water.
     • Near Depletion: 41.94% of the province is approaching the critical stage of underground water depletion.

• Increased Water Stress: The report underscores a growing water crisis, with critical levels of underground water depletion across various provinces.
• Agricultural and Economic Impact: The decline in underground water levels poses severe risks to agriculture, which relies heavily on irrigation, and could impact overall economic stability.
• Call for Action: The data highlights an urgent need for effective water management policies and conservation efforts to address the ongoing water scarcity issues and ensure sustainable water usage.

The government’s report presents a stark reminder of the pressing need for comprehensive water resource management strategies to combat the growing water scarcity crisis in Pakistan.