Water shortage is emerging as one of the most serious problems in Pakistan that could threaten future socio-economic development, especially the agricultural productivity and in this scenario, harvesting rainwater could be a viable option to save the country from the negative effects of water scarcity.

This was observed by Mr.Zahid Maqbool, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) in a statement. He said that Pakistan reportedly receives an average annual rainfall from 250 mm to 300 mm. However, due to non-availability of any rain harvesting infrastructure, most of the rain water is just wasted, which  if properly stored, could prove highly beneficial for the country.

He said the recent monsoon rains throughout the country have caused heavy flashfloods and destruction of great number of human & physical infrastructure in many parts of the country. He said that had there been proper system of rain harvesting, these damages could have been minimized to sufficient extent.

Mr.Zahid Maqbool said that Pakistan’s population is growing dangerously fast as UN’s Population Division has projected that Pakistan will overtake Brazil and Indonesia by 2050 to become the fourth largest populated country in the world, almost doubling to 335 million from its current more than 170 million.

Thus, Pakistan will be badly needed enough water to ensure food security for its teeming millions and to meet its rising energy needs for industry. He said one good option to cope with rising water needs is to develop maximum rainwater storage facilities.

He said that there are plenty of opportunities to store rainwater in city and village areas, desert and semi-desert areas and in thousands of dry ponds, canals and low laying areas by constructing rain harvesting infrastructure. He said during heavy rainfalls when rivers & canals overflow, extra water could be preserved in specially constructed dams, reservoirs and underground tanks.

ICCI President said that rainwater harvesting offers a number of advantages including conservation of resources and utilities and reduction of flooding and erosion. It also provides a healthy alternative to chemically treated water for plants and vegetation, making it useful in a number of applications.