THE much vaunted National Water Policy, which was expected to be finalised by end of last year, has been delayed owing to differences between the provinces whose views also diverge from those of the federation on certain matters.

Recognising that the country is moving towards a water crisis in the coming 10-15 years, some federal ministers concerned have been stressing the need for adopting a water policy on an urgent basis. For instance, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has warned of a Thar-like situation in the whole country if necessary measures are not undertaken on a war-footing to take care of the problem.

Water Minister Khawaja Asif says it is much bigger than the energy crisis and requires a greater attention. However, there is little known about the progress, if any, with regard to finalisation of the water policy.

The provinces do not trust each other over the sharing of water resources

Meanwhile, Pakistan signed a $34.95m loan agreement with World Bank on Jan 26 this year to pay consultants and conduct studies for water sector management. The loan is an additional financing for the water sector capacity building advisory services project, which is being implemented since 2008 with an original loan of $38m. How far these two loans can help the country build water storages remains to be seen.

The federal government is seeking support of the provinces, particularly for a viable pricing mechanism. A consultative session on Dec 10, 2015 was arranged by Wapda and Indus River System Authority (Irsa) to help address disagreements among stakeholders and develop a consensus.

The provinces do not trust each other over sharing of water resources and distribution. Under the 18th amendment, the provinces can accept or reject certain proposals outlined in the policy document. The Sustainable Development and Policy Institute (SDPI) is of the view that the federal government can only give policy guidelines, but cannot come up with a national water policy on its own. It suggests to the federation to bring all the federating units together to the Council of Common Interests to reach a consensus on a broad-based water policy.

Two major objectives of the water policy are: a viable pricing mechanism for all kinds of uses including household consumers , and prevention of waste of water by building storages. Price of water is to be ‘realistically’ charged and a law is proposed to be enacted for effective recovery of cost of repair and maintenance of water infrastructure.

Aware of an urgent need to conserve water, Irsa chairman in March last year proposed to the government to freeze the country’s entire PSDP for five years and divert funds for construction of mega water reservoirs, with 22MAF storage capacity as a national priority.

Pakistan is a water-stressed country. Mismanagement, inefficiency and absence of appropriate policies have reduced availability of once-abundant natural water resources. If the status quo prevails, it may become a water-scarce country by 2030.

Fixing right price for water is a ticklish problem. Irrigation water charges are nominal; water is available to many in plenty and can be easily accessed, barring those at the tail-end of the water canals. The landowners have always been reluctant to pay abiana for maintenance and repair of the irrigation system.

Published in Dawn, Business & Finance weekly, February 29th, 2016