ACCORDING to a UN report, South Asia is the epicentre of a water crisis affecting a staggering 347 million children, making it the region with the highest number of young lives struggling with severe water scarcity. It is a call to action that cannot be ignored. The eight-nation region, encompassing Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, is home to more than one-quarter of the world’s children. In view of gravity of the situation, these countries must come together to share knowledge, resources, and technologies to develop sustainable water management strategies. International collaboration is also crucial in tackling this crisis. The world community, including non-governmental organizations and developed nations, should provide support through funding, technology transfer, and expertise.
Climate change, with its disruptive influence on weather patterns and rainfall, is identified as a key factor leading to unpredictable water availability. The UN report highlights issues such as poor water quality, insufficient water supply, and mismanagement practices, including the over-pumping of aquifers. In the face of these challenges, it is imperative that immediate and concerted efforts be undertaken to address the crisis and safeguard the future of millions of children. In the case of Pakistan, the need to expedite the construction of water reservoirs is of paramount importance. Building robust water storage infrastructure will not only secure water availability but also provide a buffer against the adverse effects of climate change on the region’s water resources. The urgency of this task cannot be overstated. Sufficient resources should be allocated for the construction of small, medium and large sized dams to protect the future of coming generations. Moreover, addressing water scarcity requires a comprehensive approach that involves all sectors of society. Water conservation practices must be embraced at all levels, from agriculture to households. Farmers can be incentivised to adopt efficient irrigation methods, and industries should implement sustainable water usage practices. At the domestic level, communities should be educated on responsible water use, with initiatives promoting rainwater harvesting and the recycling of wastewater. Additionally, investing in research and development for innovative water-saving technologies and promoting afforestation to enhance water retention in the soil are essential measures. The integration of climate-resilient agricultural practices can also contribute significantly to water conservation efforts.
