Daily Times

In the entrancing bittersweet twist of fate, heartening news of Pakistan’s three major reservoirs Mangla, Tarbela and Chashma attaining maximum capacity for the first time in over half a decade calls for reluctant celrabrations. Hopes have, surely, been raised for bumper crops in stark contrast to shrill alarm bells over as high as 37 per cent anticipated shortage of water for the Kharif season.

That enough water is available downstream, thanks to a revolutionary shift in the flow patterns of eastern rivers, would be of considerable help to the farming community but pose a grave threat to those having settled on the old river beds. More worryingly, the disaster management authority in Punjab is busy sending distress signals regarding an imminent flood crashing through the doorstep. Having been repeatedly overwhelmed by the deadly waves in the past few years, the areas under the radar are in no shape to fight yet another natural disaster.

While those at the helm of the affairs are taking their sweet time in realising the gravity of the situation, Pakistan is in urgent need to address its location in the eye of the climatic storm. From making sure the excess water availability is stored for the dry days to building resilience against floods ravaging through the streets, there’s a lot that needs to be accomplished and mother nature is not in a mood to wait for us to gather our bearings.

Pakistan should prioritize the construction of sustainable infrastructure that can withstand floods, such as flood-resistant roads, bridges, and buildings. Just as crucial are steps to protect the forest cover that acts as a natural barrier against flooding. Building a more resilient and sustainable future remains the collective responsibility of the government (both federal and provincial), communities and international partners. Letting floods take away the natural blessing of a precious resource is akin to throwing the baby out with the bathwater. *