In the heart of Pakistan’s Northwest Frontier Province, Peshawar—a city known for its bustling bazaars and ancient monuments—is facing a silent yet potentially catastrophic crisis: a rapidly dwindling water supply.
As groundwater levels continue to plummet, the city faces a future where taps may run dry, mirroring the water crisis that has plagued Karachi.
Alarming Decline in Groundwater
Groundwater levels in Peshawar are receding by a worrying one to two feet annually. This steady decline is primarily driven by a combination of factors, including the city’s burgeoning population, unsustainable water consumption practices, and the rapid conversion of agricultural land into housing societies. Despite the increasing demand, efforts to replenish the depleted water reserves have been woefully insufficient.
Adding to the challenge is the outdated water data collection system. Even in the 21st century, Peshawar still relies on manual methods to gather data on groundwater levels. Experts warn that this antiquated approach hampers the ability to analyze the situation accurately and make informed decisions about water management. An automated system for monitoring water usage—covering pumps, tankers, and irrigation channels—is urgently needed.
Urbanization and Infrastructure Challenges
The city’s rapid urbanization has only exacerbated the crisis. Fertile agricultural lands have been replaced by sprawling housing developments, and roads have been constructed with little regard for groundwater recharge. The unchecked spread of urban infrastructure has reduced the land available for water to naturally seep back into the ground, further depleting the city’s water resources.While water consumption in Peshawar continues to rise, the rates of groundwater recharge remain unsatisfactory. This imbalance between demand and supply underscores the severity of the crisis.
Government Inaction and Unfulfilled Promises
In an attempt to address the water crisis, the provincial government established the Water Authority in 2020. The authority’s mandate includes improving water quality, managing wastewater, issuing permits for water usage, and setting standards for safe drinking water. However, despite these responsibilities, the Water Authority has yet to make significant progress in mitigating the crisis.Several proposals have been put forward to address Peshawar’s water scarcity, including a plan to supply clean drinking water to the city via an 11-foot-wide pipe from the under-construction Mohmand Dam. A feasibility study conducted in 2013 estimated the cost of this project at 180 billion rupees, but little has been done to bring the plan to fruition. Similarly, a proposal during former President Pervez Musharraf’s tenure to supply water from the Warsak Dam has remained unimplemented.
A Looming Crisis
The dire situation in Peshawar serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked urban development and unsustainable resource consumption. If no significant action is taken within the next two to three years, the city could face a water crisis as severe as Karachi’s.The time to act is now. Peshawar’s future hangs in the balance, and the responsibility to ensure a continuous supply of safe drinking water lies squarely with the government.
Without immediate and decisive intervention, Peshawar could soon be grappling with a water crisis of unprecedented proportions.
