Besides, Deans, faculty members and students of various faculties of the University, the event attracted researchers and scholars to share their learning, keeping in view the world nations, sharing water sources and resolving the matters amicably. Harris Kuemmerele, Scholar from Kings College London, who is conducting research on "Water Issues in Pakistan - Conflicts & Resolution" was the key speaker.
Dr Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar, a well-known authority on extension, environment, climate change and water resources, in his introductory remarks said that Pakistan is one of the most water-stressed country in the world. The situation here is going towards the worst water scarcity, which needs to be addressed through policy mechanism with participation of all stakeholders.
He said the River Indus presently does not have water to save the agriculture and address the need of drinking of water, as growers and communities are protesting against water shortage. He attached the hope that this workshop will support the stakeholders to come up with proper suggestions and recommendations to develop future strategies in water sector.
Guest speaker Harris Kuemmerele, shared his understanding about the water conflict within neighboring countries and inter-provinces of Pakistan, saying he is visiting areas to learn the issues and may develop analyses for further understanding of the issues. He said the rivers entering Pakistan share water with India and Afghanistan. He also said the water governance may be solution within provinces.
He lauded the role of SAU Management for organizing such workshops for knowledge sharing and spreading knowledge to new cadre of researchers and graduates of the university. He said Pakistan and India must confabulate for the resolution of water conflicts, which would make a friendly environment between the two neighboring countries. He shed light on 1991 water cord, which resolves the issue within provinces of Pakistan.
Harris Kuemmerele highlighted that Sindh is facing water scarcity, as he was aware about surface and underground water status and shared his understanding. SAU VC Professor Dr Mujeebuddin Memon emphasized the importance of water governance and said that Pakistan is dependent on a single River Indus, which is a backbone of the entire agriculture. The river not only feeds the irrigation canals and sources but contributes to maintain wider ecosystems, wetlands and overall environment and well-being of the nation.
This dependence on a single river system means it has little of the strength that most countries enjoy by virtue of having a multiplicity of river basins and diversity of water resources. He said that a collective approach is needed to bring together individuals and corporate citizens to stay engaged with decision-makers across the board regarding the rational and responsible use of water. Industries, agricultural and corporations must move to pollution control, micro-irrigation, recycling and reuse of water on bigger scales. Once these can be demonstrated, at large level it will bring prosperity at community level as well as contributing to national economy.
Zulfiqar Halepoto, a renowned water expert, social activist and researcher on water also briefed on the issues and challenges of the country. According to him water is a basic source for the livelihood of the nation and it is a responsibility of the state to take appropriate measures and adopt policy measure for the solution of the water conflict at national and international level. Abdul Ghafoor Bhatti from Badin and Kiltar Gul from Tharparkar districts also shared their knowledge and community perspective. Students took up questions about water availability, climate change, the causes of water scarcity and its impacts on agriculture, sources of living, ecosystems and health of wetlands, which also provide source of living to hundreds of communities within the province.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017