ABSTRACT (Short summary of topic)

Water scarcity is lack of fresh water resources to meet water demand. It effects every continent
and was listed in 2019 by World Economic Forum as one of the largest global risks in terms of
potential impacts over the next decade. It is manifested by partial or no satisfaction of expressed
demand, economic competition for water quantity and quality, disputes between users,
irreversible depletion of ground water, and negative impacts on environment. One-third of global
population lives under condition of severe water scarcity at least one month of year. Half of
billion people in world face severe water scarcity all year round. Half of world’s largest cities
experience water scarcity. A mere 0.014% of all water on earth is both fresh and easily
accessible, remaining water is saline and a little less than 3% is hard to access. There is sufficient
amount of fresh water on a global scale, however due to unequal distribution resulting in some
very wet and some very dry geographic locations, plus a sharp rise in global fresh water demand
in recent decades driven by industry, humanity is facing water crisis. The increasing world
population, improving living standard, changing consumption patterns and expansion of irrigated
agriculture are main driving forces for rising global demand for water. Climatic changes,
deforestation, increased pollution, green house gases and wasteful use of water can cause
insufficient supply. All causes of water scarcity are related to human interference with water
cycle. Water scarcity can be decreased by recycling water, planting trees, storing water by
building dams, and controlling pollution because pollution causes global warming which leads to
water scarcity.

WALEED
CHAPTER NO. 1

INTRODUCTION

HYPOTHESIS (A statement which is given before conducting research, it

may be true or false):

“WATER SCARCITY LEADS TO SEVERE DROUGHT.”

DEFINITION OF WATER SCARCITY:

Water scarcity is lack of sufficient available water resources to meet demands of water usage
within a region.

MEANING OF WATER SCARCITY:

Water scarcity is lack of fresh water resources to meet water demand.

TYPES OF WATER SCARCITY:

1. Physical water scarcity.

2. Economic water scarcity.

PHYSICAL AND ECONOMIC WATER SCARCITY:

Physical water scarcity results from inadequate natural water resources to supply a region’s
demand, and economic water scarcity results from poor management of sufficient available
water resources. Most countries and regions have enough water to meet household, industrial,
agricultural and environmental needs, but lack the means to provide it an accessible manner.
Symptoms of physical water scarcity include environmental degradation and declining ground
water as well as other forms of water exploitation and overuse. Economic water scarcity is
caused by lack of investment in infrastructure or technology to draw water from water resources.
Economic water scarcity includes a lack of infrastructure causing people without reliable access
to water to have to travel long distances to fetch water.
CAUSES OF WATER SCARCITY:

OVERUSE OF WATER:

Water overuse is a huge issue that a lot of people are dealing with. Water may be overused on
humans, animals, industries, and for irrigation purposes.

WATER POLLUTION:

Water pollution is major cause of water scarcity. Water is polluted by industrial wastes,
drowning household wastes and fertilizer, insecticides and pesticides into water, and oil spillage
by oil tankers in oceans.

WATER WASTAGE:

Wastage of water is also major cause of water scarcity. People waste water on washing, and a lot
of water is wasted during irrigation of agricultural lands. Thus resulted problem is lack of enough
water.

DROUGHT:

When drought strikes an area, there is usually no rain for long period of time. This makes rivers,
ponds, canals, lakes, streams dry. People therefore do not have enough water.

CONFLICT:

Conflict contributes to water shortage in area. When people fights for control over water
resources like oceans, rivers, glaciers etc.

DISTANCE:In some areas people live very far away from water resources. Travelling there
and fetching water takes a lot of time. It is also a burden to carry water from distant areas. This
discourages people and result is water scarcity.
RESTRICTION BY GOVERNMENT:

Some governments usually those which are governed by dictatorship may restrict citizens from
accessing certain water resources.

DESTRUCTION OF WATER CATCHMENT AREAS:

Water catchment areas such as forests are continually being destroyed through deforestation. As
a result there is not enough rain thus causes water scarcity.

OVERPOPULATION:

Rapid increase in human population combined by massive growth in industries have transformed
water ecosystems and resulted in biodiversity. Thus overpopulation results in additional pressure
on water resources.

AGRICULTURE:

Agriculture uses majority of available water. Sad thing is that 60% of this water gets wasted due
to poor irrigation means. In addition insecticides, pesticides, fertilizer are washed away to water
resources which results in water pollution.

EFFECTS OF WATER SCARCITY:

LACK OF ADEQUATE DRINKING WATER:

Water is essential element for human beings to survive. When there is scarcity of water people
lack enough clean and fresh water drinking.

Lack of education:

When there is water scarcity in an area, children often abandons schools due to poor health or to
help their parents to look for water.
HUNGER:

Water scarcity makes it difficult to grow crops especially in dry areas which depend on
irrigation. When crops were not planted and or not well grown then there will be lack of enough
food which will result in hunger.

DISEASES:

Water is used for cleaning, washing and bathing when there is lack of clean water everything
will become dirty and will be infected by bacteria and viruses which will results in various
diseases like typhoid, dysentery, and cholera.

SANITATION PROBLEMS:

Lack of enough clean water makes cleaning of clothes, dishes and other household things
difficult. They will remain dirty which will have negative effects on health of people.

POVERTY:

People who are dealing with water scarcity often stuck in poverty. They are not able to get clean
and fresh water instead of this they barely survive on unclean water which causes various water
born diseases and the treatment of these diseases costs large amount of money.

LACK OF ACCESS TO DRINKING WATER:

Biggest problem due to water scarcity is people not having clean and fresh water for drinking so
lack of clean and fresh water results in so many other problems and diseases.

POOR HEALTH:

In many developing countries water scarcity forces people to drink unclean water due to which
they are effected by various types of water born diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery,
due to these diseases health of people become poor day by day.
HABIT LOSS AND DESTRUCTION OF ECOSYSTEM:

Water scarcity negatively affects natural landscapes mostly by desertification. Lose of plants and
trees, death of wildlife and animals which results in habit loss and destruction of ecosystems.

DISAPPEARANCE OF WETLANDS:

Due to water scarcity wet lands become dry to the point of losing its natural capability to hold
and absorb water. Human activities are main contributors like water overuse, pollution etc.

SOLUTIONS OF WATER SCARCITY:

 People should be educated on benefits of conserving water.

 Strict laws should be made to prevent water pollution.
 People should be encouraged to recycle and reuse water.
 Water catchment areas like forests should be preserved.
 Farmers should be educated about practicing and adopting those methods and techniques
with the help of which less water is used in irrigation.
 More and more dams and barrages should be builted and old ones should be upgraded for
more capacity of water storation.
 People should be encouraged to plant more and more trees.
 Pollution should be controlled.
 Advance technology should be used for conservation of water.
 Sewage and sewerage system should be improved and upgraded.
 Clean water initiatives should be supported.
 Salty water of sea and oceans should be made able for drinking by desalination process.
 Proper water management should be made.
 Water conservation and management should be made by balancing and maintaining
supply and demand ratio of water.
 Infrastructure and repair of the whole water system like dams, barrages, etc should be
maintained.
CHAPTER NO. 2

LITERATURE REVIEW (already work done on the topic)

WATER SCARCITY ACROSS THE WORLD:

When there is not enough potable water for a given population the threat of a water crisis is
realized. The UN and other world organizations consider a variety of regions to have water crisis
of global concern.

World resources institute estimates that 33 countries will face a water crisis by 2040. These at
risk countries are largely clustered in Africa and the middle east.

Due to factors such as pollution, overpopulation and misuse of resources almost 40% of people
are left without water to sustain life.

Water scarcity isn’t just a problem in developing world also many areas of developed countries
experience water shortage due to dry weather and climate changes.

Among the world’s most affected areas are:

 BAHRAIN.
 QATAR.
 SINGAPORE.
 KUWAIT.
 SAN MARINO.

OVERVIEW OF REGIONS SUFFERING CRISIS IMPACTS:

There are many countries of the world that are severely impacted of inadequate drinking water.
The following is a partial list of some of countries whose only consumption is of contaminated
water.

 SUDAN.
 VENZUELA.
 ETHIOPIA.
  TUNISIA.
 CUBA.
 CHINA.
 INDIA.
 PAKISTAN.
 IRAN.
 MEXICO.
 ALGERIA.
 EGYPT.
 BANGLADESH.
 NEPAL.
 MAYANMAR.
 AUSTRALIA.
 NORTH AMERICA.
 And various AFRICAN countries.

REASONS WE ARE FACING GLOBAL WATER CRISIS:

 We are changing climate, making dry areas dryer and precipitation more variable and
extreme.
 Overpopulation which automatically results in more water demand.
 Ground water in being depleted.
 Water infrastructure is in a dismal state of disrepair.
 Natural infrastructure is being ignored.
 Water pollution, overuse and wastage of water.
 The price is wrong, water is always undervalued.
 Deforestation of forests.
WATER CRISIS ACROSS THE GLOBE:

THE POWER OF WATER:

Water connects every aspect of life. Access to safe water can quickly turn problems into
potentials empowering people with time for work and contributing to improved health for
women, children and families around the world. Today 1 in 9 people lack access to safe water we
can change this to make power of water available to all. 844M people living without access to
safe water.

WOMEN’S CRISIS:

Women are disproportionately affected by water crisis as they are often responsible for
collecting water. This takes time away from work and caring for family. Empowering women is
critical to solving water crisis. When women have access to safe water at home they can pursue
more beyond water collection and their traditional roles. They have time to work and add to their
household income. 200M hours women and girls spend every day collecting water.

HEALTH CRISIS:

Water crisis is a health crisis. Access to safe water contributes to improved health and helps
prevent the spread of infectious diseases. It means reduced child and maternal mortality rates. It
means reduced physical injury from constant lifting and carrying heavy loads of water. 1M
people die each year from water related diseases. Every 2 minute a child dies from water related
diseases.

CHILDREN’S AND EDUCATION CRISIS:

Children are often responsible for collecting water for their families. This takes time away from
school and play. Easy access to safe water changes this. Reduction in time spent collecting water
means there is time to go to school and have time to play. 3rd leading cause of child death is
diarrhea.
ECONOMIC CRISIS:

Time spent for collecting water accounts for billions in lost economic opportunities. Access to
safe water at home turns time spent into time saved giving families more time to pursue
education and work opportunities that will help them break the cycle of poverty.

WATER CRISIS IN PAKISTAN:

Water scarcity has a direct impact on human security. It is a multi dimensional challenge with
complex undertones as water security is both an increasing concern as well as critical for
sustainable development. Before it is too late and Pakistan faces a drought across its entire
territory a comprehensive water policy needs to be prepared and implemented.

SOURCES OF WATER:

SURFACE WATER:

In surface water we have three hydrologic units.

INDUS BASIN RIVER:

In 1960 Pakistan signed a water treaty “Indus water treaty” with India which brought major
changes in sources of water for Pakistan. In that treaty the right of three eastern rivers was given
to India and three western rivers was given to Pakistan. Indus river basin constitutes mountain
basins Indus plain, Karachi plains and desert areas of sindh. Its principle rivers are Indus, shyok,
gilgit, astor, siran, Kabul joined by Jhelum, Chenab and Sutlej. It covers an area of 516,600
sq.km. Its source of water is snowing, glacier melting, and rain falls.

CLOSED BASIN KHARAN DESERT:

It consist of area of mountain basins of Quetta and basins of tributaries draining into kharan
desert its main rivers are pishin lora, baddo rakshan, mashkhel, and many other streams. It covers
an area of 120,100 sq.km. Its main sources of water are rainfall and snowfall.
MAKRAN COASTAL BASIN:

Makran coastal basin constitutes streams of malir, hub, purali, kud, hingol, nai, mashhai, dasht,
nihing and kech. It covers an area of 122,400 sq.km. Its main sources of water are rainfall.

GROUND WATER:
Indus plains constitute about 34 million hectors of cultivable land. Ground water is found in rain-
fed lands and inter- mountain valleys at depth varying from 100 to 200 feet. Other main sources
are rivers, lakes, streams etc.

WATER RESORVOIRS/ WATER CAPACITIES:

Pakistan is having three basic reservoirs namely tarbela dam reservoir, mangla dam reservoir and
chashma barrage reservoir. More small reservoirs are warsak, baran dam hub, khanpur tanda,
raval, simly, bakht khan Hamal Lake, Mancher Lake, kinjhar lake and chotiari lake are also
included as small storage.

TARBELA DAM RESERVOIR:

World’s largest earth and rock filled dam was built at Tarbela on river Indus in 1976 with a gross
capacity of 11.62 maf and a live storage capacity of 9.68 maf. With passage of time due to silting
24.6% of storage has been lost and now it has live storage of 7.295 maf.

MANGLA DAM RESERVOIR:

Mangla dam is second major storage of water in Pakistan. It was built in 1967 on river Jhelum
with a gross capacity of 5.882 maf and live storage of 5.41 maf. Due to siltation it has lost 13.2%
of its storage and presently can store 4.636 maf of water.

CHASHMA BARRAGE RESERVOIR:

Chashma barrage is situated on river Indus and was built in 1972 with a gross storage of 0.870
maf and live storage of 0.717 maf. It has also reduced its storage capacity by 39.3% and is left
with storage capacity of 0.435 maf.
UTILIZATION/USAGE OF WATER:

In Pakistan we utilize water available to us for different purpose. The basic purposes are
irrigation, power generation, drinking and also used by industries.

IRRIGATION:

Out of 240.22 maf, 172.21 maf water is utilized for irrigation purposes. In this the
canal diversion is 105.23 maf system loses are 144.40 maf, rain water is 6.0 maf, ground water is
41.30 maf, and utility is 5.28 maf.

POWER GENERATION:

Water released by hydropower plants returns to river system. Reservoirs are operated on priority
basis only for irrigation. Recent increase in thermal generation has reduced the potential conflicts
between water releases from reservoirs for hydropower generation and irrigation. Now most of
annual generation is utilized for irrigation and not for hydropower but conflicts do arise at times.

DRINKING:

Most of rural and urban water is supplied from ground water through tube wells and hand pumps
except few cities. Total urban and rural requirements estimated is 10-15% of surface water out of
which 80% return to system however with degraded quality.

INDUSTRY:

Water is also utilized in industries basically for cooling purposes and also in manufacturing
processes. This utility is less than 1%.

CAUSES OF PRESENT ALARMING CRISIS/SHORTAGE:

 Water supplies are vulnerable and suffer from extensive losses.

 Limited storage capacity.
 Trans-boundary disputes intensifying river supply vulnerability.
 Outdated distribution system and inequitable distribution of water.
 Ground water resources depleting rapidly due to over pumping.
 Extremely low water tariffs are distorting intensives for water conservation.
 Low recovery and underfunded water infrastructure contributing to high water loss.
 Gaps in governance leading to inefficient management.
 Climatic changes.
 Reduced rain fall.
 Poor water management.
 Poor handling of industrial waste water.
 Lack of proper water storage facilities.
 Ignorance at household level.
 Wastage of drinking water in non productive means.
 Mismanagement in irrigation sector.
 Hydrological warfare.
 Water terrorism by India.
 Manipulation of treaty terms by India.
 Construction of kashanganga dam by India. .
 Worrying level of deforestation.
 Risk of breaching ITW by India.
 Risk of possibility to divert water by India.
 Internal and external political and armed conflicts.
 Negatively impacting agriculture and damaging social life.
 Huge lose of water annually.
 Effecting economic growth.
 Effects on health sector.
 Floods and drought.
 Impending war with India.
 Energy crisis.
CHAPTER NO. 3

RESEARCH DESIGN

TITLE OF STUDY:

The title of my study is “water crisis/scarcity as a social problem in Pakistan”.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

Scope of my study is limited to explore the causes of water scarcity in Pakistan, its effects on
society and economy, and to find solutions to solve this problem.

UNIVERSE OF THE STUDY (study area):

The study area/universe of my study was PAKISTAN.

OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE/SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:

 To identify what is water scarcity.

 To explore causes of water scarcity.
 To know about the impacts/effects of water scarcity on society and economy.
 To suggest solutions for water crisis to solve this problem.

METHODOLOGY:

NATURE OF STUDY:

This research is both descriptive and qualitative in nature.

SAMPLING:

Probability sampling and simple random sampling techniques will be used for selection of
sample.
SAMPLE SIZE:

As the study area is broader so sample size will be taken according to study area.

TOOLS OF DATA COLLECTION:

As this research is based on secondary data so tools of data collection was internet, library, e-
books, articles, journals, documents and videos.

DATA ANALYSIS/INTERPRETATION AND PRESENTATION:

This research was not a field study so data was not collected personally so data analysis,
interpretation and presentation is not possible.

DURATION OF STUDY:

Duration of study was 3 weeks. The study was started on 20 April 2019 and ended on 12 may
2019.
CHAPTER NO. 4

FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION:

FINDINGS:

The major findings of my study were:

 What is water scarcity/crisis.

 What are the root causes of water scarcity across the globe as well as in Pakistan.
 What are impacts/effects of water scarcity on socio-economic life of people across the
world as well as in Pakistan.
 What are the remedies and solutions which are to be followed to reduce or to fully
eliminate this problem.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

 National water strategy must be based on two essentials water development and water
management.
 Building dams and reservoirs like kalabagh dam, chasha dam, thal reservoir, diamer
basha dam, mohmand dam, raised mangla dam, mirani dam, gomalzam dam.
 Solutions to counter Indian water terrorism.
 Need of robust diplomacy at national and international level.
 Introducing proper water usage fee and structure.
 Need for planting more trees and forests.
 Lining of canals and optimal use of water for irrigation.
 Define ground water ownership.
 Legislation for licensing ground water.
 Control over water pollution.
 Implementation of national environmental quality standards.
 Incentives should be given to industries in form of subsidies and tax relaxation against
installation of waste water treatment plants.
 Impose fine on polluters.
  Positive awareness regarding water usage and water conservation in people.
 Proper administration and proper use of water.
 Revamping system of water rights.
 Awareness in people regarding rising stress on water resources.
 Raising height of existing dams to increase capacity.
 Modern irrigation technology and techniques should be used by farmers.
 Appropriate steps to be taken for equitable distribution of water.

CONCLUSION:

The problems faced by water sector across the globe as well as in Pakistan are many, acute and
serious. It is known to us that we can generate about 83 maf of more water in Pakistan.
Therefore, building of more reservoirs and dams and effective management strategies are the
needs of time. Also implementations of given recommendations will enable the country to meet
the challenges of water crisis and to achieve the objectives of integrated, efficient,
environmentally and financially sustainable development and proper management of limited
water resources. At the same time it will enable us to utilize every drop of our water for our
bright future.
.