A gigantic problem waiting to explode
Pakistan is considered one of the most ‘water stressed’ countries in the world. Water scarcity often gets translated into water disputes between the provinces. The Water Apportionment Accord signed between the provinces in 1991 was aimed at putting an end to inter-provincial squabbling. The agreement was followed by the setting up of the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) which was tasked to implement the accord. While the agreement provided a basis for removing the differences, complaints about the violations of the accord continue to appear.
There are reports of ‘discrepancies’ in water discharges and their measurement at key inter-provincial distribution sites. Sindh has complained about incorrect measurements between the Chashma and Taunsa barrages and Taunsa and Guddu barrages. Balochistan has charged that Sindh is not allowing it to have its full share of water in accordance with the agreement. Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab have similar complaints against KP and have protested over huge water losses between Besham and Tarbela and inaccurate measurements at the Chashma barrage. The disputes involving all the four provinces can lead to a serious discord if not resolved at the earliest. What makes the issue serious is that those involved in disputes are now flouting the authority of IRSA.
When bureaucracy fails to carry out its responsibilities it is for the political leadership to take up the gauntlet. Pakistan being an agricultural country, scarcity of water affects the lives of millions of people. The complaints being made should therefore be taken seriously as these could strengthen parochial tendencies. Divisive tendencies are generally considered to be a legacy of dictatorial regimes. Democracies it is maintained possess mechanisms required for resolving differences between the federal units. The PML-N government has promised to build a number of big water reservoirs to deal with the issue of water shortage. The projects would however take years to complete. Meanwhile disputes with far reaching consequences need to be urgently settled. It is for the federal government now to take up the matter with the provincial governments. It can alternately take the issue to CCI.
