Water is the lifeblood of Pakistan, nurturing its fields and families alike. From the mighty Indus River to innovative canal systems, this precious resource fuels the nation’s progress. Ambitious projects like the Cholistan Canal and groundwater recharge initiatives aim to transform agriculture, ensuring food security and economic resilience. A closer examination of these developments and the myths surrounding them highlights how strategic investments in water infrastructure can promote harmony, sustainability, and widespread prosperity throughout Pakistan. Dispelling misconceptions is essential to understand the true potential of these initiatives, which represent pivotal steps toward reshaping the country’s future, securing vital resources, and strengthening communities across all regions.
Examining the narratives surrounding Pakistan’s canal projects reveals a landscape shaped as much by perception as by fact. A persistent claim suggests a coordinated scheme to deprive Sindh of its rightful water share, often citing the construction of “six canals” allegedly designed to divert water to Punjab. However, this assertion does not hold up under close scrutiny. Each major canal project has distinct objectives, routes, and beneficiaries. For instance, Chashma Canal, sourced from Indus at Chashma Barrage, is intended solely for irrigation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan, not Punjab-its progress is shaped by local KPK politics rather than interprovincial rivalry. Similarly, Kachhi Canal, while drawing water from Taunsa Barrage, delivers it to Balochistan’s arid districts, not Punjab. Most notably, Rainee Canal, which feeds new Thar Canal, originates in Sindh and irrigates Sindh’s own lands, with recent government investments underscoring a commitment to the province’s agricultural development.
The claim that Cholistan Canal is designed to divert Sindh’s water is unfounded and misleading. To clarify, Cholistan Canal sources its water from Sutlej River at Sulemanki Headworks, not Indus River, which supplies Sindh. This distinction is crucial, as Sutlej and Indus rivers are managed separately under Pakistan’s water-sharing agreements, such as the Water Accord. Channeling Sutlej water to support communities in the Cholistan desert does not impact Sindh’s share of Indus water. The Cholistan project aims to irrigate barren land in Punjab, providing 450,000 acre-feet of water to enhance agricultural productivity. While concerns about equitable water distribution are valid, this particular canal’s design does not reduce the flow of Indus water allocated to Sindh. Understanding the documented objectives and sources of such projects is essential to dispel myths and foster informed discussions around water resource management.
The notion that canal projects in Pakistan are driven by a conspiracy between Pakistan Army and Punjab to disadvantage Sindh lacks credible evidence and oversimplifies the complexity of water infrastructure development. Major canal projects are multi-generational endeavors shaped by evolving national agricultural strategies, technical feasibility, political negotiations, and resource availability. These projects span decades, crossing various civilian governments and military administrations, including Musharraf’s era, making it implausible to attribute them to a static agenda targeting a specific province. The intricate planning and execution of these projects reflect broader national priorities rather than covert motives.
Amid the harsh realities of Sindh’s Thar Desert, where daily life revolves around the relentless search for water, Thar Canal project offers a transformative vision. For generations, families have endured grueling treks under the blazing sun, walking miles each day just to fetch enough water for survival. Against this backdrop, Thar Canal initiative emerges as a beacon of hope. By extending Rainee Canal to Mithi region, this project aims to bring a reliable water supply closer to home. It promises not only relief from the daily struggle but also the potential for agricultural growth and community revitalization.
The Thar Canal project marks a significant milestone with its feasibility study completed by May 2024. Technically, it branches from the Indus-fed Rainee Canal near Khinjo village, using a 5000 cusec discharge gate to channel water captured during high river flows from the Guddu Barrage. Stretching 480 kilometers through districts like Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Sanghar, and Mirpur Khas, the canal aims to transform 250,000 acres of arid land into fertile fields. This initiative promises life-changing benefits for over 200,000 people and supporting half a million livestock vital to local livelihoods. Historically, the project seeks to restore water flows once supplied by Nara River, diminished by upstream barrages. Ecologically, it plans to replenish 13 ancient ponds along Hakkara River bed, crucial for wildlife survival in a region plagued by extreme heat and scarce rainfall. This canal is more than infrastructure-it’s a vital step toward revitalizing Tharparkar’s environment and communities.
Genuine concerns about equitable water distribution, especially for lower riparian like Sindh, deserve serious attention. However, relying on rumors and unsubstantiated conspiracy theories hinders progress toward sustainable solutions. Pakistan’s water challenges require collaboration based on trust and verified facts. Clear, fact-based dialogue allows us to focus on solving problems together instead of blaming. To ensure a future where all Pakistanis-including vulnerable communities like those in Tharparkar relying on the Thar Canal-have reliable water access, it is essential that decisions and conversations are rooted in accurate, factual information.
The writer is a freelance columnist and can be reached at [email protected]
