The Indus Basin system: Efficiency, sustainability and equity
Bakhshal Lashari*

Pakistan's dependence on the Indus Irrigation System is critical to sustain its economy, especially agriculture which continues to be the backbone of its economy (Kakakhel 2014). The system is confronted with several efficiency, sustainability and equity issues, many of which are inter-related. As a result, Pakistan is 'moving from being a water stressed country to a water scarce country' (World Bank 2006). Over a period of time, the system's efficiency has reduced considerably. Water use efficiency and water productivity figures are alarmingly low. The system's sustainability is threatened both by its physical and financial health; while overexploitation of groundwater resources and continuously deteriorating water quality are adding to the fragility of water resources. The system is also marked by several inequities, mainly related to water distribution and allocation among head and tail reaches. 

In addition to reviewing the combined effect of these issues, the presentation will table the agenda for moving the irrigation system towards achieving higher water use efficiency, securing sustainability and making water allocation and distribution more equitable. To this end, the presentation will discuss the role of water rights; water demand management instruments; relationship between O&M cost recovery and infrastructure development and maintenance; strengthening drainage system regulations; and participatory irrigation management etc. 

References

Kakakhel, S.  2014, 'The Indus Waters Treaty: Negotiation, Implementation, New Challenges, and Future Prospects',  Criterion Quarterly, vol. 9, no. 2, April/June, <http://www.criterion-quarterly.com/the-indus-waters-treaty-negotiation-implementation-new-challenges-and-future-prospects/>, accessed 27 October 2015.

World Bank 2006, ‘Better Management of Indus Basin Waters Strategic Issues and Challenges’, The World Bank, Islamabad Office, Pakistan, <http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPAKISTAN/Data%20and%20Reference/20805819/Brief-Indus-Basin-Water.pdf>, accessed 27 October 2015.


 

* Prof. Bakhshal Lashari is the Project Director, U.S-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (US-PCASW), Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) in Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.