Report: Murtaza Zaib Zehri
The water shortage in Quetta is a serious issue that is severely affecting the lives of the city’s residents.
An elderly citizen of the Sariab Road area, Muhammad Azam, is one of the many affected by this situation.
He cannot afford to buy water tankers at 2,000 rupees each, so he buys water at 20 rupees per gallon daily to meet his needs.
Speaking to Balochistan 24, Muhammad Azam said this is a difficult situation for him. As a retired employee with limited income, he cannot afford to spend as much on water as others can.
As a result, he has been forced to reduce his water usage, which creates difficulties in his daily life.
Muhammad Azam’s story is a human example of the expenses incurred by people due to the water crisis in Quetta.
The water shortage in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, has reached a critical level, and water experts have warned that if this issue is not addressed, people might be forced to migrate within the next 5 to 8 years due to the unavailability of water.
Quetta is a dry and hot city with an average annual rainfall of only 200 millimeters.
The increasing population of the city and unregulated agricultural and industrial activities have put pressure on water resources, resulting in a rapid decline in groundwater levels.
In addition, water wastage is a major issue in Quetta. Leaks and illegal connections in the city’s water infrastructure cause a significant portion of water to be wasted.
Residents of Quetta are using various methods to cope with the water shortage.
Some people buy water from tankers, while others hire private water supply companies. However, both options are very expensive for the average citizen.
The government has taken several steps to address the water shortage issue, including the construction of new dams and ponds and measures to reduce water wastage.
However, experts say these measures are insufficient and a more comprehensive strategy is needed to tackle the water crisis.
Experts point out that water wastage is also a significant problem in Quetta. Leaks and illegal connections in the city’s water infrastructure are common, resulting in the wastage of a large portion of water.
As a result, groundwater levels in Quetta have dropped to dangerous levels. In 1998, the groundwater level in the city ranged between 80 to 200 feet. However, it has now reached 1,000 to 1,200 feet.
Geologists warn that if this situation continues, the water shortage in Quetta will become very severe. People will struggle to access water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. This could lead to health issues, social conflicts, and economic difficulties in the city.
Experts have called for collaborative efforts from the government and citizens to resolve this issue. They suggest measures for water conservation, better management of water resources, and improving water efficiency in agriculture and industry.
Balochistan geologist Professor Dr. Din Muhammad Kakar has warned that the water shortage in Quetta has reached an “alarming” level, and if not controlled, the city may have to be evacuated within the next 5 to 8 years.
In an exclusive interview with Balochistan 24, Professor Kakar said Quetta is a dry and hot city with very little annual rainfall. The growing population and unregulated agricultural and industrial activities have put pressure on water resources, resulting in a rapid decline in groundwater levels.
He said, “This is an alarming situation. I don’t think we will be able to live here for the next five to eight years because water will be completely depleted.”
Professor Kakar further stated that the water shortage in Quetta is already causing health issues, social conflicts, and economic difficulties. He urged the government to take immediate measures to resolve this issue.
Hamid Latif Rana, Managing Director of Quetta Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA), said that Quetta city is facing a severe water shortage, and there is not enough water being supplied to meet the current demand.
Rana stated that Quetta’s population is approximately 3 million, and if 20 gallons of water are allocated per person, the city needs 60 million gallons of water daily. However, WASA, the Cantonment Board, and Public Health together can only provide 34 million gallons of water.
He said this means the city faces a daily shortage of 26 million gallons of water. To make up for this deficit, citizens have to buy water from tankers, which is an expensive and unsustainable solution.
Rana mentioned that the reasons for the water shortage include drought, declining groundwater levels, and water wastage. He said the government needs to take steps to address these issues to ensure that Quetta’s residents have access to clean water.
WASA has implemented water conservation measures, including the installation of low-flow showerheads and toilets and repairing leaks and illegal connections. However, these measures are not considered sufficient to solve the water shortage problem.
The government needs to better manage water resources, recharge groundwater reserves, and take steps to reduce water wastage. It should also launch campaigns to promote water-saving awareness.
Residents of Quetta can also contribute to water conservation. They can use water-efficient appliances, take measures to reduce water wastage in their homes, and educate others about the importance of saving water.
Water experts have warned that the water shortage in Balochistan is a serious issue, and if not controlled, it could have far-reaching consequences. They say that the water being used in the province today is the share of future generations, making it essential to conserve rainwater.
Professor Dr. Din Muhammad Kakar, a geologist, said that Balochistan is a dry and hot province with very little annual rainfall. However, when it does rain, abundant water flows from the mountains and rivers. Unfortunately, this water often goes to waste because it is not stored properly.
He added that climate change is also exacerbating the water shortage issue in Balochistan. Rising temperatures are causing glaciers and snow to melt rapidly, leading to water scarcity.
