Development of water scarcity management strategies in the Upper Indus Basin

Partner Institutes
Newcastle University	Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore

Snow and glaciers from the mountainous region of the Hindu Kush–Karakoram–Himalaya (HKH) provides the main source of surplus water for the Upper Indus and Jhelum river systems in Pakistan. Management of water from these rivers is critical for irrigated agriculture. This is particularly important in Pakistan since agriculture provides for one-fourth of the country’s GDP and half of total employment.

The partnership between the Newcastle University, UK and the Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology aims at improving the techniques for seasonal forecasting of water inflows on the Indus and Jhelum rivers, facilitating adaptive management techniques for hydropower and irrigated agriculture to cope with water scarcity and food security problems.

The partnership has enabled lead researchers from Pakistan and the UK to share expertise through bilateral research exchanges and capacity building of research students in both institutions. 

The partnership also intends to organise an international workshop involving international experts in mountain climates, hydrology and water resources. Monthly roundtable discussions/working group meetings are held between local stakeholders and the Pakistan-based research team to ensure sustainability of the project.

The intended outcome is both theoretical and practical. The theoretical work done would provide a better understanding of environmental relationships between climate and water flow in the HKH mountain region. The practical aspect would provide guidance for water resources management decision making authorities i.e. WAPDA (Water resources And Power Development Authority) with relevance to the entire Indus Basin Irrigation System and hydropower generation capacity.

Lessons learnt:

Climate change in the upper Indus Basin is going to be a threat for food security in Pakistan if not dealt with.

Challenges faced:

Data collection at high altitudes posed a risk. Another challenge was trying to explain the significance of the research activities to local communities.

Impact:

The project outcomes will be a great help for future water resources planning and development.

Key contacts:

Dr Hayley Fowler, Newcastle University

h.j.fowler@ncl.ac.uk

www.ncl.ac.uk/

Dr. S. M. Saeed Shah, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore

shahcewre@yahoo.com

www.uet.edu.pk/