july/2025

The Drying Rivers of Balochistan, Pakistan: Root Causes, Impacts, and Possible Remedies.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province by area, covers nearly 44% of the country’s total landmass. Despite its size, the province has long faced significant water scarcity challenges. Its rivers, streams, and underground water reserves have always been essential for survival, yet over recent decades, these vital water sources have been steadily diminishing. This alarming trend is the result of both environmental changes and human negligence, leading to serious ecological, economic, and social consequences.
The decline of river systems in Balochistan threatens food security, biodiversity, and the stability of local communities. This article delves into the primary reasons behind this worsening crisis, the far-reaching impacts it brings, and the critical steps needed to address the situation.

Water Resources and Geography of Balochistan

Natural Landscape and Water Systems

Balochistan's terrain is largely dry, consisting of barren mountains, arid deserts, and sparse vegetation. Unlike some other parts of Pakistan, the province lacks significant perennial rivers. Instead, it depends on seasonal watercourses, underground aquifers, and a few major rivers, including the Hingol, Zhob, Bolan, Dasht, and Pishin-Lora. These rivers are indispensable for irrigation, drinking water, and maintaining natural habitats.
Additionally, the province historically relied on the ancient karez system—an underground network of water channels—providing a lifeline for rural communities in the face of a harsh, dry climate. However, these traditional systems, along with natural water bodies, are now under severe stress.

Factors Driving the Drying of Balochistan’s Rivers

1. The Effects of Climate Change

One of the primary reasons for the declining river flows in Balochistan is the impact of climate change. In recent decades, the province has experienced:
● Unpredictable Rainfall Patterns: The once consistent monsoon rains have become irregular and insufficient, leading to reduced water availability.
● Higher Temperatures: Rising temperatures increase evaporation rates, depleting river flows and water reservoirs.
● Extended Droughts: Long periods of drought, such as those between 2017 and 2022, have turned once-flowing rivers into dry, barren channels.

These climatic shifts not only dry out rivers but also hinder groundwater replenishment, aggravating the water crisis.

2. Water Diversion from Upstream Sources

The diversion of water from rivers originating outside Balochistan significantly contributes to water scarcity within the province. Major concerns include:
● Construction of Dams and Canals: Water flowing from regions like Punjab and Afghanistan is often intercepted for agricultural or urban purposes, leaving little for Balochistan.
● Lack of Water-Sharing Agreements: The absence of comprehensive agreements on shared water resources, especially for rivers like the Helmand and Hingol, worsens shortages.

These upstream interventions deprive Balochistan’s communities of essential water resources, accelerating the drying of rivers.

3. Excessive Groundwater Extraction

As surface water becomes scarce, communities increasingly depend on underground water. However, unsustainable extraction has led to:
● Falling Water Tables: Over-pumping has caused aquifers to drop drastically, cutting off underground flows that historically fed rivers and streams.
● Saltwater Intrusion: In coastal areas such as Gwadar and Pasni, excessive groundwater extraction has led to seawater seeping into freshwater reserves, contaminating water supplies and harming agriculture.

The lack of regulatory control over groundwater use is pushing the province toward an irreversible water crisis.

4. Forest Loss and Land Degradation

Healthy forests and watersheds play a key role in supporting river ecosystems. Unfortunately, Balochistan has suffered:
● Deforestation: Iconic forests, such as the Ziarat juniper forest, have been heavily degraded due to illegal logging, overgrazing, and human encroachment.
● Accelerated Soil Erosion: Vegetation loss increases erosion, reduces water absorption, and hampers groundwater recharge.

Without thriving forests and protected watersheds, rainfall quickly runs off the land, providing minimal benefit to rivers or underground aquifers.

5. Poor Water Management Practices

Mismanagement of available water resources has worsened the situation:
● Outdated Irrigation Techniques: Traditional flood irrigation methods waste significant amounts of water, while efficient techniques like drip irrigation remain underutilized.
● Neglect of Traditional Water Systems: The karez system, once vital for distributing water sustainably, has fallen into disrepair due to lack of maintenance and declining groundwater levels.
● Inadequate Water Storage Infrastructure: The province lacks sufficient small dams, reservoirs, and rainwater harvesting structures to store seasonal rainfall.

These inefficiencies leave communities vulnerable to droughts and water scarcity.

6. Weak Environmental Governance

Environmental policies in Balochistan have been inadequate in tackling the water crisis:
● Poor Enforcement of Regulations: Groundwater extraction limits, forest protection, and watershed management laws are rarely enforced.
● Unsuitable Agricultural Practices: Water-demanding crops, such as sugarcane, are still cultivated in water-scarce regions, aggravating the problem.

Ineffective governance enables unsustainable practices, further drying up rivers and water sources.

7. Growing Population and Urban Expansion

The rapid growth of Balochistan’s population, especially in cities like Quetta, has increased pressure on water resources:
● Rising Agricultural Demands: Agriculture consumes nearly 84% of the province's water, with much of it used inefficiently.
● Expanding Cities: Urban development drives up domestic and industrial water use, stretching already scarce resources.

The increasing demand, coupled with limited supply, has made the drying of rivers even more severe.

Impacts of the Drying Rivers in Balochistan

1. Environmental Decline

The loss of rivers has triggered serious ecological consequences:
● Disappearance of Wetlands: Wetlands such as Hamun-e-Mashkel, once vital for migratory birds and local wildlife, are vanishing.

● Biodiversity Loss: Many species of fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants face extinction due to habitat loss.

● Worsening Desertification: As water sources and vegetation disappear, desertification spreads, degrading vast areas of land.

2. Economic and Agricultural Challenges

Balochistan's economy, heavily dependent on agriculture, has been hit hard:
● Reduced Crop Yields: Water shortages lead to failing crops, food insecurity, and lost income for farming families.
● Decline in Livestock Production: With limited water and grazing land, livestock numbers are dwindling, affecting rural livelihoods.
● Forced Migration: Entire communities are abandoning their homes in search of water and economic opportunities elsewhere.

Sustainable economic growth is impossible without reliable access to water.

3. Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

Water scarcity is driving a growing humanitarian emergency:
● Acute Water Shortages: More than 90% of Balochistan experiences severe water stress, with many areas lacking access to safe drinking water.
● Health Issues: Contaminated or insufficient water supplies increase the risk of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and poor hygiene.
● Social Tensions: Disputes over dwindling water resources are causing conflicts between communities, tribes, and even provinces.

If these challenges remain unresolved, the social fabric of the province will continue to deteriorate.

Practical Solutions to Address the Crisis

1. Climate Resilience and Adaptation

To combat the unavoidable effects of climate change, the province should:
● Introduce Drought-Resistant Crops: Shifting to crops suited to arid conditions will reduce water consumption.
● Promote Rainwater Harvesting: Small-scale water storage facilities can capture seasonal rainfall for later use.
● Strengthen Early Warning Systems: Improved monitoring of droughts and floods will help communities better prepare for extreme weather.

2. Sustainable Water Management Strategies

Conserving water resources is crucial:

● Regulate Groundwater Use: Strict monitoring and limits on tubewell operations are needed to prevent over-extraction.
● Revive the Karez System: Restoring these ancient underground channels offers a sustainable water supply option for rural areas.
● Modernize Irrigation: Expanding efficient irrigation methods can significantly cut water waste.

3. Restoration of Forests and Watersheds

Protecting and rehabilitating natural ecosystems supports water security:
● Tree Plantation Campaigns: Reforestation efforts, especially in crucial watersheds, are vital to restoring ecological balance.
● Soil Protection Measures: Initiatives like terracing, controlled grazing, and small check dams can reduce erosion and enhance groundwater recharge.

4. Developing Water Storage Solutions

Maximizing the use of available water resources requires:
● Construction of Small Dams: Building small-scale reservoirs helps store rainwater for dry periods.
● Recharge Ponds: Creating artificial ponds to replenish groundwater levels will help sustain river flows.

5. Strengthening Environmental Regulations

Effective governance can curb unsustainable practices:
● Enact and Enforce Water Laws: Strong legal frameworks are needed to regulate water use and protect ecosystems.
● Support Water-Efficient Farming: Offering incentives and technical support to farmers can encourage the adoption of water-saving practices.

6. Enhancing Cooperation at Regional and International Levels

Collaborative water management is essential:
● Water Agreements with Afghanistan: Negotiating fair water-sharing treaties for rivers like the Helmand can help alleviate shortages.
● Federal-Provincial Coordination: Improved collaboration between different government levels can help resolve inter-regional water disputes.

The diminishing rivers of Balochistan are a clear sign of the province's deepening environmental and water crisis. Left unchecked, this problem threatens ecological balance, economic stability, and the well-being of millions of residents. However, with a combination of traditional knowledge, modern technologies, improved policies, and regional cooperation, it is possible to reverse this decline.

Timely action, sustainable water management, and strong political commitment are essential to safeguarding Balochistan’s water resources and ensuring a secure, prosperous future for the province and its people.

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