'Heavy groundwater pumping a serious threat to agriculture sector'

The quality of groundwater is deteriorating with each passing month due to heavy pumping, and industrial effluent, causing outbreak of various diseases in the country. It was discussed at the meeting of University of Agriculture Faisalabad(UAF) Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Zafar with Dr Catherine Allan from the Charles Sturt University Australia. Whereas, Dr Muhammad Ashfaq and Chairman Department of Entomology Dr Jalal Arif also attended the meeting.
Dr Iqbal Zafar said that heavy groundwater pumping, deteriorating water quality and water scarcity issues are posing a serious threat to agriculture sector also. He said treatment of industrial effluent was vital not only for the healthy environment but also for ensuring the groundwater quality. He said that efforts and tangible measures are needed in order to fight the crisis. He added that the excessive extraction of water by pumps was declining the quality of the water, he said, adding that if trends continue, it will worsen the crisis.
He said that Faisalabad, which is known as Manchester of Pakistan due to textile-oriented industries, is facing alarmingly high groundwater and air pollution as well as deepening environmental hazard issue. He said that industry is polluting ground water which is harmful for agriculture and drinking usage and urged the experts, scientists and policy-makers to play their due role to cope with the challenges.
He viewed that one of major socioeconomic challenges was the mismanagement of water resources. He told at the time of the inception of the country in 1947, per capita water availability was 5000 which has now declined to 900 cubic meter. He said that no life without water as it is key for life, irrigation, food security, economic development, and energy production etc.
Dr Catherine Allan said that deteriorating groundwater crisis was one of the areas of grave concern. She said that there is a need to create the awareness among the masses about the issues and in this regards, the youngsters can play a pivotal role. She said that world was facing the serious crisis of the climate changes that was playing the havoc with the lives of the people. Dr Muhammad Ashfaq said time is ripe for promoting the rational use of water across the country to save coming generation. He added, "We are not treating industrial waste that was causing the deteriorating situation.