Absence of reservoirs in Sindh: 'huge quantity of rainwater adversely affecting 23 districts'

Due to the non-availability of sufficient water reservoirs in the country, the volume of rainwater received by Sindh Province during the four-week monsoon spell is estimated to be over 49 million acre feet (MAF), almost equal to the capacity of six Tarbela Dams.
This big amount of water has affected 23 districts including four million acres of land, resulting in the destruction of 80 percent of cash crops and over 130 billion rupees in losses.
This was stated by Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor UAF while addressing the national seminar on "Ground Water Management: Issues & Options", organised by Department of Irrigation & Drainage UAF in collaboration with Endowment Fund Secretariat (USAID) at New Senate Hall of the University.
Dr. Iqrar recalled that 150 years back before setting up of canal system by British Government most of our agricultural land was barren. If we could not devise the mechanism of water conservation and water use efficiency most probably, we would be forced to leave behind deserts and barren land for our coming generation. He informed that the university of Agriculture, Faisalabad is going to establish an energy cell at the faculty of agricultural engineering and technology, keeping in view innovative research outcomes for water conservation.
Dr. Allah Bukhsh, Chairman Department of Irrigation & Drainage said that the rainfall occurred in southern parts of the country have created many problems for rural folks as there is no drainage mechanism available in these areas. Resultantly, the precious rainfall water is stagnant to the upper surface of the soil causing damage to properties and cash crops. He added that in order to manage water properly we need to have water storage and dams and as well as ground water storage. He maintained that water table has gone down which have resulted increase in the pumping charges.
General Manger Project (PITCO) Lahore, Muhammad Ijaz Butt in his keynote address said that 14 percent of total energy is being consumed by agricultural sector for pumping. He added that a programme for tub-well efficiency improvement (TWEIP) has been initiated. Under this programme, 11,000 inefficient tube-wells have been replaced in three provinces of the country except Balochistan, reducing 45 megawatts load. He added that 2, 30,000 inefficient pumps would be improved under the project.
At the conclusion of the programme, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal thanked the guests and participants. A large number of faculty members and students attend the ceremony.