Professor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Bhanger, Director, National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh said due to scarcity of water especially during last two decades, water is one of the critical issue for economic and social development in this region.
Pakistan is one of the populous country of the world with increasing human population and enormous water related problems. Over 50 percent of Pakistan's population lives under arid to semi-arid conditions. Pakistan is largely dependent on Indus river system for its irrigation water requirement.
It is quite obvious that future development and economic growth can be threatened by water scarcity in the country. Both the government and NGOs are aspiring to support the measures aimed at improving the water supply situation, reducing system losses and encouraging surface and groundwater resources use in a manner which is sustainable and environment friendly.
The concept of water demand management (doing more with less) is now actively considered and implemented in different parts of the world. Water demand management strategies include treated wastewater and grey water reuse, rainwater harvesting, water metering, leakage management and public awareness campaigns.