Water resources are fast depleting and water scarcity has become a challenge for humanity. This can be the fallout of rapid urbanisation and industrial development. These two are also essential for economic growth. However, the industrialisation at the expense of human health is justified or can it be termed as progress. Seeing the ongoing climate issues and global warming, environmentalists are raising voice towards the hazardous impact of industrialisation. The challenge is to grow economically but in a healthy environment. This calls for a balanced outlook wherein urbanisation is followed by forestation to ensure that the natural eco-system is not disturbed.
Pakistan is faced with the challenge of climate change and global warming. Although the country contributes less than one per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions, but still the country is a victim of rapidly changing climatic patterns. This has resulted in floods in the country, destroying agricultural lands and impacting the economy. What are the factors that have intensified the climate threat for Pakistan, is it the global warming alone or the factors at domestic front are to be blamed. Globally, the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of ozone layer are factors that are contributing to temperature of earth. Pakistan cannot isolate itself from global developments and has to bear the impact of global climatic patterns. However, domestically rapid urbanisation has led to deforestation, and it has impacted the natural eco-system.
Concrete areas prevent rainwater from reaching the soil, depleting groundwater while increasing surface runoff.
Due to construction on agricultural and forest lands, water scarcity is fast emerging as a challenge. Looking at Islamabad, the capital faces the issue of water shortage. Initially, the water from Simly Dam, Rawal Dam and Khanpur Dam were enough for the residents of the city. However, with passing years, the city witnessed an upsurge in population, new housing societies were built, resultantly the water demand was increased. At present, an expanded Islamabad faces the challenge of water scarcity (water demand is 475 Million Litres Per Day-MLD whereas the actual supply is 270 MLD). Massive urbanisation has impacted Islamabad’s natural landscape. Green belts, forested areas, agricultural land and zones of natural groundwater recharge are replaced with commercial development and housing schemes. Concrete areas prevent rainwater from reaching the soil, depleting groundwater while increasing surface runoff. Instead of reaching the reservoir, the rainwater moves to drains, leading to flash floods and urban flooding.
The argument that urbanisation is essential for economic growth is correct, but it needs to be understood that massive urbanisation also leads to climate issues which in turn threaten the healthy environment. So, the urbanisation needs to take into consideration the environment, this is essential to maintain a healthy atmosphere and to promote sustainable development.
In coming years, the urban population is expected to grow. Thereby, to protect against the disastrous impact of environmental degradation, climate-resilient cities need to be planned. This is essential to provide our future generations with clean environment, and access to clean water. Capital Development Authority (CDA) initiatives like water metering, rainwater harvesting and the groundwater recharge sites are positive steps towards water saving. Apart from these initiatives, there is an urgent need to launch an awareness campaign on importance of water through electronic and print media.
The campaign should raise awareness on water saving techniques, rainwater harvesting, and recycling of water. In addition, all government and commercial buildings must install a rooftop rainwater harvesting system. The new housing societies must develop small-scale water dams that can help recharge groundwater, and also enhance water availability during dry seasons. These small dams and ponds can support local flora and fauna, improve the environment of the surroundings, and also reduce the stress on the main water supplies such as the Simly Dam, Khanpur Dam, and Rawal Dam.