Natural Resources
Natural resources are materials provided by nature that are used by humans for various
needs. These can be categorized as renewable (can be naturally replenished) and non-
renewable (limited in supply and cannot be replaced once used). Water is a renewable
resource, but due to misuse and mismanagement, its availability in Pakistan has
become an issue of sustainability.
Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
Renewable resources include water, sunlight, wind, and forests. These can regenerate
naturally if properly managed. In contrast, non-renewable resources like coal, oil,
natural gas, and minerals are finite and will eventually deplete if overused.
Hydrological Cycle
The hydrological cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the
Earth's surface. It includes evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and
runoff. This cycle replenishes freshwater resources and plays a key role in agriculture,
ecosystem support, and water availability across Pakistan.
The Indus River System
The Indus River System is Pakistan’s lifeline. Originating in Tibet, it enters Pakistan
through Gilgit-Baltistan, flowing southward to the Arabian Sea. It has five main
tributaries: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. This system supports irrigation,
hydropower, drinking water, and transportation, making it essential to Pakistan’s
economy and agriculture.
Importance of Rivers to Pakistan
Rivers in Pakistan are vital for:
• Agriculture (main source of irrigation).
• Drinking water and household use.
• Hydropower generation (Mangla, Tarbela).
• Transportation and fisheries.
• Supporting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Eastern Tributaries of the Indus
The eastern tributaries are the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Due to the Indus Water Treaty,
these rivers are mostly controlled by India, and Pakistan receives limited flow from
them. They previously played a significant role in irrigating eastern Punjab.
Rivers to the West of the Indus
To the west of the Indus lie smaller rivers such as Kabul, Kurram, Tochi, Gomal, and
Zhob. These originate in the western mountains and contribute to local irrigation and
water supply, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Rivers of Balochistan
Balochistan has a dry climate, with rivers like the Hingol, Dasht, and Pishin Lora. These
rivers are seasonal (ephemeral), flowing mainly during rains and depending on flash
floods. Their use is limited, but they are vital for local water storage and small-scale
irrigation.
Groundwater is accessed through tube wells and karez systems. It is essential in
areas with insufficient surface water, like Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. Over-
extraction is causing falling water tables and salinity issues, threatening future
availability.
Uses of Water in Pakistan
Water in Pakistan is used for:
• Agriculture (main use, over 90% of water).
• Domestic consumption.
• Industrial use (cooling, processing, cleaning).
• Power generation (hydroelectricity).
• Livestock and sanitation.
Industrial Use of Water in Pakistan
Industries like textiles, cement, chemical processing, and food manufacturing
require large amounts of water for production. Improper treatment of industrial waste
has led to pollution of surface and groundwater.
Agricultural Uses of Water – Irrigation
Pakistan’s agriculture depends on irrigation due to low and uneven rainfall. The country
has one of the largest irrigation systems in the world, mainly sourced from the Indus
River System.
Development of the Irrigation System
• Natural river flow irrigation.
• Inundation canals (seasonal, flow only during floods).
• Perennial canals (flow throughout the year).
• Modern methods such as tube wells, sprinklers, and drip systems.
Conventional Irrigation Systems
1. Shaduf: A traditional bucket-and-lever method, slow and labor-intensive.
2. Persian Wheel (Rehat): Uses animals to draw water; used in Punjab.
3. Charas: Rope-and-bucket system operated by two people.
4. Karez: Underground water channels found in Balochistan.
5. Inundation Canals: Use river floodwater during monsoon; unreliable.
6. Diversion Channels: Divert river water to fields using gravity.
7. Tank Irrigation: Uses small man-made reservoirs to store rainwater.
Effectiveness: These methods are low-cost but not efficient or suitable for large-scale
agriculture.
Modern Irrigation Systems
1. Perennial Canals: Provide water year-round from rivers and dams.
2. Tube Wells: Pump groundwater using electricity or diesel.
3. Tanker Supply: Common in urban areas during shortages.
4. Sprinkler or Spray Irrigation: Efficient, suitable for uneven terrain.
Modern systems improve water use efficiency but are expensive and require
infrastructure and power.
Indus Water Treaty (1960)
A treaty between Pakistan and India, brokered by the World Bank. It gave control of the
eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum,
Chenab) to Pakistan. It also allowed Pakistan to build dams, barrages, and link canals
to compensate for water loss.
Major Dams of Pakistan
1. Mangla Dam (on Jhelum River): Second-largest, built for irrigation and power.
2. Tarbela Dam (on Indus River): Largest earth-filled dam in the world.
3. Small and Large Dams: Help with water storage, flood control, and hydropower.
Examples include Warsak Dam, Diamer-Bhasha Dam (under construction).
Barrages
Barrages are structures built on rivers to control water flow and divert it into canals.
Major barrages in Pakistan include:
• Sukkur Barrage
• Guddu Barrage
• Kotri Barrage
They play a crucial role in managing irrigation and flood control.
Waterlogging and Salinity
Waterlogging occurs when the water table rises too close to the surface, reducing soil
fertility. It is caused by over-irrigation and poor drainage. Salinity is the accumulation
of salt in soil due to evaporation, especially in Sindh and Punjab.
Impact: Reduces agricultural productivity, degrades soil quality, and forces farmers to
abandon land.
