COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

ASSIGNMENT 2

(…..PAKISTAN STUDIES…..)
HUM111____3(3,0)

NAME:
Muhammad Safwan Khan

REG No :
FA20-EPE-093

SECTION :
EPE-6B

COURSE INSTRUCTOR :
Abida Jadoon

DATE TO SUBMIT :
2-May-2023
Assignment Task :
The Indus basin delta is an important source of water supply for a
country like Pakistan dependent upon agrarian economy. In this regard
elucidate what are the significant water resources of this vast delta
benefiting Pakistan’s agricultural sector and what measurements have
been taken to utilize the water resources more effectively.

Answer ::
INDUS BASIN DELTA:
The Indus basin delta is an important source of water supply for a
country like Pakistan that heavily relies on agriculture as its primary
economic activity. This delta comprises a vast area of land covering
approximately 41,440 km2 and stretching across the coastal regions of
Sindh and Balochistan provinces. The delta is formed by the confluence
of the Indus River and the Arabian Sea, which has given rise to a
complex network of water channels, estuaries, creeks, and mangroves.
These natural resources have been instrumental in supporting the
livelihoods of millions of people in Pakistan, who depend on the fertile
land for agriculture and fishing.

Significant Water Resources in the Indus Basin Delta

The Indus basin delta has several significant water resources that benefit
Pakistan's agricultural sector. These water resources can be classified into two
categories: surface water and groundwater.
  Surface Water Resources:
The Indus River is the primary source of surface water in Pakistan, and it
originates from the Himalayas in China. The river flows through Pakistan
and empties into the Arabian Sea. The delta region receives a significant
amount of water from the Indus River, which is used for irrigation purposes
in agriculture.
Apart from the Indus River, several other rivers and streams also flow
through the delta region, including the Hub, Malir, and the Lyari rivers.
These streams originate from the hills and mountains of Balochistan and
Sindh provinces and flow into the Arabian Sea through the delta region.

 Groundwater Resources:
Groundwater is another essential source of water in the Indus basin delta,
and it is extracted through tubewells. The delta region has a vast aquifer
system, which is replenished by the Indus River's water. Groundwater is
used for irrigation purposes, and it provides a reliable source of water in
areas where surface water is not available.

Measures that Utilized Water Resources Effectively

The government of Pakistan has taken several measures to utilize the water
resources in the Indus basin delta more effectively. These measures include the
following:

 Construction of Dams and Canals:

Pakistan has constructed several dams and canals to store and distribute
water from the Indus River for irrigation purposes. The most significant of
these is the Tarbela Dam, which is located on the Indus River and has a
storage capacity of 11.6 million acre-feet. The water stored in the Tarbela
Dam is used to irrigate millions of acres of land in the Indus basin delta.
  Promotion of Water-Efficient Farming Techniques:
The government of Pakistan has also promoted water-efficient farming
techniques, such as drip irrigation, to reduce water wastage in agriculture.
These techniques have been adopted by many farmers in the delta region
and have helped to conserve water resources.

 Regulation of Groundwater Extraction:

The government of Pakistan has also implemented regulations to control
groundwater extraction in the delta region. This is to prevent over-
extraction of groundwater, which can lead to a depletion of the aquifer
system.

 Research and Development:

Pakistan has invested in research and development to improve the
efficiency of water use in agriculture. The government has established
research institutions, such as the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council
(PARC), to develop new technologies and techniques for water
management in agriculture.

 Water Conservation Programs:

Pakistan has implemented water conservation programs, such as the
National Program for Improvement of Watercourses (NPIW), which aims to
rehabilitate and modernize the irrigation infrastructure in the country. The
program includes activities such as the construction of water storage
structures, the lining of canals to reduce water loss, and the installation of
water measurement devices to improve water management.

Conclusion
The Indus basin delta is a vital source of water for Pakistan, which relies heavily on
agriculture for its economy. The delta hosts the largest contiguous irrigation
system in the world, the Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS), which recharges a
vast groundwater aquifer that supplies water for domestic and agricultural use.
However, the groundwater resources are facing challenges such as over-
abstraction, waterlogging, salinization and contamination, which threaten their
sustainability and quality. To address these challenges, Pakistan needs to adopt an
evidence-based, integrated and participatory approach to groundwater
management that balances the efficiency of surface water and the conservation of
groundwater. Moreover, Pakistan needs to improve its wastewater treatment,
enhance its water governance and cooperation with transboundary partners, and
invest in water-saving technologies and practices.

The End