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Pak Studies Geography IGCSEprinted 31 · PDF 31
162 pagesrevision 46929
printed 31 · PDF 31
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5. Causes and Solutions to Water Supply Problems (Including Pollution)
Causes:
○ Rapid Population Growth: Rising domestic and agricultural demand.
○ Climate Change: Irregular rainfall, glacial retreat, and changing river
flows.
○ Poor Management: Leakage, inefficient irrigation (flood irrigation
wastes up to 60% of water).
○ Pollution: Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers),
and untreated sewage contaminating rivers and groundwater.
○ Deforestation and Siltation: Increasing runoff, reducing reservoir
capacities.
○ Inter-provincial disputes over water distribution (Punjab vs. Sindh).
Solutions:
○ Avoid conflict and ensure equitable and predictable distribution of
Indus Basin waters.
○ Facilitate Pakistan’s development of alternative irrigation infrastructure
(financed through Indus Basin Development Fund).
Consequences:
○ Enabled Pakistan to construct Mangla, Tarbela, and link canals, securing
water independence.
○ Reduced inter-state water conflict but remains a geopolitical flashpoint,
especially with India’s hydro projects (e.g., Kishanganga, Baglihar).
○ Provided institutional frameworks like Permanent Indus Commission
for continuous dialogue.