The outgoing Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz, had categorically stated that by end of the year 2007 pure drinking water would be available for every household throughout Pakistan. Well, this is one more of the thousand other promises made to the nation. People are not naïve any more, and they can see through the idle boasts of the authorities.
But the fact remains that the nation's health and well-being of the present and future generations depend on clean water, pure air and a completely hygienic environment, in both the urban and rural areas. When big cities such as Karachi and Lahore face the dearth of a pollution-free atmosphere and clean air and water, one can only imagine how deplorable the situation would be in the rural and far-flung areas of the country.
Water shortage is a global phenomenon, with a few exceptions. It is said that future wars will be fought for control of water resources.
As fresh water resources diminish, occasioned by climatic changes, growing populations, wasteful use of existing water, and industrial and other effluents polluting the rivers lakes and seas all around the earth, the powerful neighbours will try to subjugate their weaker ones to control the water resources. A world order for an equitable distribution of water rights is a prime necessity.
Meanwhile, in the case of Pakistan, having a coastline of over 800 miles, besides the rivers and canal system (being depleted every year), the immediate solution is multi-purpose desalination plants-cum-power generation units. The heat and steam generated in the process could also be utilised by major industrial units. So also, the salts and other chemicals that will be recovered during the processing of sea water.
The cost factor for all these activities is a major constraint, like so many other needed projects. The situation has been aggravated, beyond a tolerable limit, by the recent happenings. All plans have gone awry and lop-sided. A concerted and co-ordinated effort is needed, with co-operation of all concerned in a 'give and take' spirit. The provincial rivalries and jealousies, so often witnessed in the past, have to be overcome for a meaningful result.
Planning for water must take into account the present deficiencies as well as the future growth in terms of population, farming and industries - as all of them demand a greater share of water. Sewerage, wastes and effluents
The use of water, whether consumed by humans, farming or industrial activities, entails wastes and effluents, whose disposal is a major problem. Recycling provides a partial answer in a very few cases, but the contamination and pollution of the water supplies and underground water resources - to say nothing of damage to human health - present some non-surmountable difficulties. These are multiplied by the traditions and mode of life of our illiterate (and even the literate) citizens, the farmers and the industrialists.
Educating all the people, and employment of modern technologies to tackle the problem should be given utmost priorities.
Costs for the endeavour nation-wide will probably run into trillions of rupees, but it cannot, and should not be allowed to hinder any progress in the matter. It calls for a national "Jihad" to overcome the difficulties.
(To be continued)
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