A FULLY fledged water crisis is unfolding across the world, with 2023 recorded as the driest year for rivers in over three decades, according to a new report released by the World Meteorological Organisation. While some parts of the world face severe flooding, others are grappling with desertification, adding to the challenge of water scarcity. The WMO attributes this to climate change, with the hydrological cycle becoming increasingly erratic. The consequences are nothing short of dire: widespread droughts in the southern US, Argentina, and Central America, contrasted with catastrophic floods in Africa and parts of Asia. Pakistan, too, is no stranger to these water extremes. Monsoon flooding devastates our rural and urban landscapes, while large parts of Balochistan and Sindh endure drought-like conditions. As river discharges decrease and glaciers continue to melt, the Indus Basin faces a precarious future. Over-reliance on irrigation from glacial meltwater, alongside unsustainable groundwater extraction, threatens long-term agricultural and economic stability. In a country already facing acute water shortages, compounded by a burgeoning population, the outlook is troubling.

Globally, action must be taken on two fronts. Countries must prioritise water management, invest in infrastructure to withstand extreme weather, and adhere to climate-mitigation strategies. Improved monitoring, as the WMO suggests, is crucial. Data-sharing between nations, especially those sharing water basins, will allow for better resource management. Pakistan could benefit from such initiatives, given its reliance on shared river sources. At a local level, individuals must adopt water conservation practices. Education on efficient water use, coupled with government incentives to reduce waste, can lessen the burden on overtaxed water systems. Global bodies like the UN must pressure nations to meet SDG-6, ensuring water access for all. Without urgent intervention, both floods and droughts will continue to wreak havoc on economies and ecosystems alike. The situation is grim, but proactive, collective action can stem the tide.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2024