Water-related issues: IWMI launches joint efforts with Okara industrial sector

LAHORE: The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Pakistan has launched joint efforts with the industrial sector of Okara to address the water-related challenges faced by different industries as better water governance will improve output and contribution to the GDP.

This was stated by the IWMI Country Representative-Pakistan and Regional Representative-Central Asia Dr Mohsin Hafeez while speaking at a consultative workshop with Okara Chamber of Commerce & Industry on water issues to identify the challenges faced by industrial water users in Okara district.

Dr Mohsin Hafeez highlighted the impacts of climate change on Pakistan and its industrial sector. He also shared how IWMI Pakistan through the FCDO-funded Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) Programme Component 1: Climate Resilient Solutions for Improving Water Governance (CRS-IWaG), will improve water governance in district Okara, through enhanced water availability for various sectors, especially the industrial sector.

According to Dr Mohsin Hafeez: “Okara is the pilot district for WRAP Programme Component 1: CRS-IWaG, where different interventions related to water governance shall be introduced to benefit different water users, including the industrial sector. IWMI Pakistan has established its field office in district Okara to directly work with the industrial sector and address their water-related challenges.”

Col Muhammad Mazhar (retd), Member, Okara Chamber of Commerce & Industry said: “Pakistan is witnessing greater water insecurity. The industrial sector in district Okara relies on groundwater for industrial purposes, especially for cooling. The water after being used is not recycled and is drained in nullahs and streams, which pollutes our water bodies. We are willing to work with IWMI Pakistan for better management of water resources.”

Dr Abdur Rehman Cheema, Regional Researcher–Water Governance and Institutional Specialist, IWMI Pakistan, moderated a dialogue with the members of Okara Chamber of Commerce & Industry on water availability challenges and coping strategies by the industrial sector.

According to him: “The impacts of climate change are being felt across the country, which is threatening our water security and affecting our economy, livelihoods, and environment. Water conservation and sustainability cannot be achieved in a silo approach. Today’s consultation with Okara Chamber of Commerce & Industry has helped to highlight the current and future water challenges faced by the industrial sector in district Okara and potential strategies to cope with them.”

Ch Habib Ul Haq, Executive Committee Member, Okara Chamber suggested promoting low delta crops that require less water to cope with water shortages and reduce pressure on groundwater.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023