The PM was given a briefing a few days ago about the water level in rivers and was told that India is building dams to divert the water flow, while Pakistan has failed to do so and will suffer from water shortages.
But strangely they forgot to also inform the PM that to be able to counter India’s scheme of diverting water, Pakistan does not need dams, instead, Pakistan needs proof of water diversion. This proof can only come from Telemetry systems to measure water flow in rivers coming from India. They also conveniently forgot to mention that the telemetry systems were decided to be installed on these rivers in 2007, but due to unknown or fake reasons the project was delayed.
During this time telemetry systems on mountain rivers in KP and other River canals of KP have been installed and are operational. Telemetry systems on Punjab and Sindh canals have also been installed and operational.
Even after PM has ordered the installation of telemetry measuring systems on rivers coming from India on priority, the project is still in the planning stages and WAPDA claims that the project will take 30 months to complete. Such a long time will give enough time to India to do their damage.
I, therefore, request the PM to take over this project himself and ensure that telemetry systems are installed within the year. He can directly request help from Japanese or EU companies. The PM should also question those who have been delaying this most important project.
Once the telemetry river monitoring systems are installed then water flow from India should be monitored and any shortfalls should be contested legally. Similarly, help from other nations and organisations can be taken to increase pressure on India to stop stealing our water and even to sue India for ecological and environmental damage caused by artificial water shortages. Water shortage can be the reason for the next war between our two nuclear nations.
SHAHRYAR KHAN BASEER P ENGR
Peshawar
