Precious water

The lack of awareness about the world’s approaching water crisis means many of us live in blissful ignorance. The reality, however, is that more and more cities around the world are expected to face severe water shortages over the coming year, mainly as a result of climate change and poor conservation measures. World Water Day was observed globally on March 22, although in Pakistan it was marked only by a few events organised mainly by NGOs. The management of water resources requires far more serious attention in the country. The depletion of Pakistan’s water has been rated by international agencies as presenting a severe threat of drought, both in rural and urban centres. As it is, according to WaterAid, 88.5 percent of the people in the country do not have access to clean drinking water near their homes.

In view of the situation being faced in more and more cities across the world Pakistan needs to take measures urgently. Experts have predicted that ‘Day Zero’ the day when there is no running water in homes is approaching quickly in many cities. Cape Town in South Africa was originally scheduled to have no running water in at least a million homes in April. This date has now been moved forward to July. The three-year long drought suffered in the areas means however that water is strictly rationed with every person limited to 13 gallons a day. Cape Town is not alone in its misery. Cities in Brazil, in Spain, in France and in other places around the world have been experiencing severe water scarcity; and 14 of the world’s 20 mega cities today live under drought like conditions. The rising population adds to the demand for water. Pakistan too has seen the impact of severe water shortages in Tharparkar and other desert areas as well as cities like Karachi. There is little point in ignoring the threat. We desperately need to raise awareness about using water wisely and look at how the need for water in agriculture and industry can be addressed. Water is today the world’s most precious resource, and a world without it is unimaginable. For this reason alone, we need to join together with other nations of the region and the world to preserve it for ourselves and for future generations.