Experts and government officials have raised grave concerns over Karachi's escalating water crisis, warning that the metropolis is staring at an environmental catastrophe unless all stakeholders join forces to tackle interlinked challenges. The stark warnings came during a two-day training workshop organised by WWF-Pakistan, which brought together representatives from the Sindh government's Planning and Development Department, Bureau of Statistics, Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Pakistan Meteorological Department, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Irrigation Department Sindh, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), and public sector universities.
Interlinked Crises Demand Holistic Response
The participants stressed that the city's burgeoning water demand, rapidly depleting aquifers, alarming pollution levels, recurring urban floods, mounting pressure on infrastructure, and deteriorating ecosystems are deeply interconnected crises that demand a holistic and coordinated response. According to WWF-Pakistan officials, the workshop aimed to enhance technical capacity for integrated water resource management and environmental governance.
SEPA Director General's Warning
Addressing the gathering, SEPA Director General Waqar Hussain Phulpoto delivered a blunt message, stressing that environmental protection can no longer be treated as an afterthought in water resource planning. “Effective environmental governance, better coordination among institutions, and strict implementation of environmental laws are the guarantees for protecting our water resources for present and future generations,” Phulpoto added.
Groundwater Depletion and Pollution
Karachi relies heavily on groundwater, with over 40% of its water supply coming from aquifers that are being depleted at an alarming rate. The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources has reported that the water table in parts of the city is dropping by 1-2 meters annually due to over-extraction. Additionally, pollution from untreated sewage and industrial effluents has contaminated many groundwater sources, posing serious health risks.
Urban Flooding and Infrastructure Strain
The city also faces recurring urban floods during monsoon seasons, exacerbated by clogged drainage systems and encroachments on natural waterways. The crumbling infrastructure, including aging water and sewerage networks, leads to significant water losses estimated at 35-40% of total supply. The Irrigation Department Sindh highlighted that the city's drainage capacity is insufficient to handle heavy rainfall, leading to widespread inundation.
The workshop concluded with a call for improved data sharing and collaboration among departments. Participants agreed to develop a joint action plan to address the water crisis, focusing on sustainable groundwater management, pollution control, and infrastructure upgrades.
