Daily Times

Sir: Farmers and well-drillers need to have exact scientific data vis-à-vis depth and quality of the groundwater in their respective areas. A groundwater mapping to pass on information to people especially farmers is need of the hour.

Especially in this era of science and technology, we are dependent on well-drillers for the groundwater as there is no in-depth scientific information accessible regarding water types. With groundwater levels steadily lowering, there is an urgent need to educate Pakistani peasant on the issues pertaining to groundwater mapping. This information would go a long way in helping them. Water security is rapidly becoming a challenge for Pakistan and needs to be tackled seriously instead of just paying lip service.

With shortfall in rains, I fear even my land could turn barren with canal water as it has been cut by forty percent in last few years. Water from tube-wells was a main source of irrigation for my farmland but worriedly, not anymore due to the depleting water levels.

Water level is lowering rapidly and becoming saline. Interestingly, the PCRWR, a government organization, initiated a project to map the entire Upper Indus basin in 2004 and completed the job in 2014. But no data has been made available yet. I am desperately waiting for the gains of this ambitious 10-year exercise costing PKR 36.5 million. I have serious concerns that the groundwater mapping of the Upper Indus Basin is not enough and suggest the exercise be carried out with more precise technology across the country.

Regrettably, much of this information will not reach the peasant and general public. The whole exercise would be a futile one if the outcomes aren’t conveyed especially in rural and remote areas of my homeland. Therefore, ambitious steps need to be taken educate the farmers and curb the depleting water levels.

INAM UL HAQ

Chakwal