A Strategic Response to the Water Crisis
Pakistan’s Looming Water Crisis
Water scarcity in Pakistan has reached alarming levels, posing a serious threat to agriculture, public health, and national security. According to the World Resources Institute, Pakistan is among the top 14 most water-stressed countries globally. The per capita water availability has dropped dramatically from 5,260 cubic meters in 1951 to under 900 cubic meters in 2024, falling below the United Nations’ water scarcity threshold of 1,000 cubic meters.
The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has consistently warned that if current trends continue, Pakistan will face absolute water scarcity by 2025. This decline is primarily due to rapid population growth, climate change, inefficient irrigation systems, and limited water storage capacity—Pakistan stores only 30 days’ worth of water, compared to the recommended 1,000 days for water-secure countries.
Dams: A Long-Term Solution to Water Scarcity
As groundwater levels continue to fall and seasonal rainfall becomes unpredictable, building dams is a necessary and strategic intervention. Dams play a multifaceted role in water resource management. They store water during monsoon seasons, ensuring availability during droughts, and provide a sustainable source for drinking water, agriculture, and industrial use. Additionally, dams help recharge aquifers, mitigate flooding, and generate hydropower, which currently supplies around 27% of Pakistan’s electricity needs, according to NEPRA.
The Nashpa Dam Project: A Model for Rural Water Security
In response to local water challenges, the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), in collaboration with MOL Pakistan and local leadership, has initiated the construction of a dam in the Nashpa area of Karak District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The dam will serve 11 villages—including Lorgai, Sanda Manzai, Salkhani, Sand Khurram, Nashpa, Faqiri Banda, Zanrr-aka Banda, Pirmila, Paindi Banda, Mir Kalam, and Khazi Bai—through a gravity-based water distribution system.
The project site is located 24 kilometers northeast of Karak city and can be accessed via a 54-kilometer route from Kohat on the Indus Highway, branching off near the village of Shaheedan. This location was strategically chosen for its elevation and terrain, enabling efficient gravity flow and reducing energy costs.
Replacing Temporary Solutions with Sustainable Infrastructure
Currently, OGDCL supplies drinking water to Nashpa residents via daily water bowsers, costing approximately Rs. 16.63 million per year. While this shows commendable commitment to community welfare, it is not sustainable long-term. The construction of the Nashpa Dam represents a cost-effective, reliable, and permanent solution to this recurring problem.
Since the signing of the original agreement in 2012, OGDCL has demonstrated consistent dedication to community development. The company’s approval and execution of the Nashpa Gravity Water Supply Scheme (NGWSS) and its in-principle approval of the Nashpa Dam on 13 May 2020 are clear indicators of its ongoing commitment.
Leveraging Government Expertise for Execution
Due to the technical complexity of dam construction, the responsibility for execution has been transferred to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government. The project will be carried out through relevant line departments with the expertise and institutional capacity required for timely and cost-efficient implementation. This collaboration between public and private sectors is a best-practice model for infrastructure development in Pakistan.
In the next phase, the government will submit the final feasibility report, complete with cost estimates and a timeline, for OGDCL’s approval.
Why Pakistan Needs More Dams
Pakistan receives about 145 million acre-feet (MAF) of water annually but can only store approximately 13.7 MAF, mostly through its three major dams—Tarbela, Mangla, and Chashma. This is grossly inadequate for a country where agriculture accounts for nearly 20% of GDP and employs about 38% of the workforce. Without an expanded dam infrastructure, 70% of rainfall is lost to runoff, according to PCRWR data.
Increased dam construction will not only conserve water but also help mitigate the economic losses of over $3 billion annually due to water mismanagement.
Investing in a Water-Secure Future
The Nashpa Dam project is more than an infrastructure initiative—it is a blueprint for sustainable water management in rural Pakistan. With rising water demand and climate instability, investing in dam construction is not optional—it is essential. It offers long-term benefits in water security, agriculture, energy, and socio-economic development.
Water shortage in Pakistan is not just a crisis; it’s an opportunity to build smarter, manage better, and secure our future.
