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Expert suggest conducting survey of groundwater reserves in Sindh

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Expert suggest conducting survey of groundwater reserves in Sindh

Since the advent of solar system, farmers have been using groundwater indiscriminately; experts at a seminar on World Water Day fear shortage of water even for drinking purpose.   

Tando Jam

Showing grave concern over the scarcity of water resources and unavailability of drinking water in Sindh in future due to climate change and the growing population, the experts have suggested the government to conduct survey of groundwater reserves in Sindh.

Addressing a seminar on “Groundwater: Making Invisible Visible” in connection with World Water Day organized by the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Sindh Agriculture University on Tuesday March 22, Dr. Altaf Sial, Water Expert and Dean, said that due to climate change and erratic rainfall, groundwater is being adversely affected, and due to the growing population, there is a risk of future shortage of drinking water, so we have to save river water as well as groundwater.

He said that from Naran and Kaghan to the delta of Sindh, the Indus River is being polluted by sewage and chemical discharges from inland cities, which has become a health hazard in the tail part of Sindh.

He said that the groundwater of the delta has become toxic and has added arsenic, while its agricultural lands are being swallowed by the sea. He suggested that modern survey, surveillance, and groundwater use methods be implemented during the year 2022.

Ghulam Mustafa Ujjan, General Manager, Sindh Irrigation Development Authority (SIDA), said that the water level in Rohri Canal and Nara Canal of Sindh has reduced from 14000 cusecs to 4000 cusecs. He said that since the advent of the solar system, farmers have been using groundwater indiscriminately. He said that due to the lack of official data, it is not known how many watercourses or tube wells are there? Therefore, the GIS system needs to be given importance.

Director Training Water Management Muhammad Ayub Burdi said that excellent research work was being done on water in Sindh Agricultural University, adding that he was working on various projects related to agricultural engineering and irrigation. While Sindh Agricultural University has created many internship opportunities for students.

Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Siyal and Dr. Muneer Ahmed Mangrio said that celebrating this day can help in conveying the message on importance and usefulness of water to the people and urged that a clear policy should be formulated for the use of groundwater for agriculture and drinking purposes.

World-Water-Day-Seminar-Tandojam-Sindh-Courier-1On this occasion, the students participated in a speech competition based on poster presentation and theme and prizes and certificates were distributed among the best posters and speakers.

Dr. Jan Muhammad Marri, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Sub-campus Umerkot Registrar Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Qureshi, teachers and students were present on the occasion. (PR)

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