Islamabad – A Senate committee ⁣in pakistan is‍ pushing for improved coordination to manage flood risks, especially those stemming ⁤from water flows originating in India. ‍ The committee also expressed concern ⁢over slow progress in removing ‍encroachments from riverbeds across ‌the country.

Water Storage ⁣Gap and Cross-Border Flows

⁢ The ⁢committee ⁢was informed ‌that ​Pakistan‌ is projected to face a notable water ⁤storage gap of ‌60 million‍ acre-feet (MAF) by 2050,⁢ driven​ by a growing population. ⁣ ‍This ‍projection underscores the ‌urgency of increasing water storage capacity and​ managing existing resources effectively. ‌

⁣ Wapda​ (Water⁢ and Power Advancement Authority) officials,led by Member Water Syed Ali Akhtar Shah,reported that ⁣ongoing dam projects ‌are expected ⁢to add ‍approximately 11.13 MAF⁤ of storage. ⁢Key projects include Diamer-Bhasha (8.1 MAF), Mohmand, Kurram Tangi, Nai⁣ Gaj, and Naulong dams. Wapda’s ‌official website provides⁣ detailed details on these ⁤projects.

​ A critical point raised during the meeting⁢ concerned the Chenab River, ‌which contributes roughly 23 MAF of water annually, ​with it’s entire ‌catchment ⁤area ‌located in India. Wapda officials⁤ highlighted India’s ability to influence water flows into Pakistan ‌through its existing and planned projects ⁤on the Chenab. This ⁣underscores the need for dialog⁣ and data sharing with India regarding water management.

The⁢ committee also discussed ‍the potential for utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology to manage ‌flood flows from across ⁢the border, with a feasibility study ⁢for this project already completed. Details ⁣of the study were not​ immediately available.

Encroachment Removal and Inter-Agency Coordination

⁢ Senator ⁤Awan voiced dissatisfaction with the ‌lack of​ coordination between federal and‌ provincial authorities regarding encroachments on riverbeds. ⁢He directed the water resources secretary to improve collaboration ⁤among all relevant bodies. Encroachments constrict river channels, increasing the risk ​of flooding⁣ and reducing⁣ the effectiveness⁣ of flood control infrastructure.
⁤

The committee also strongly‍ criticized Suparco (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission)‌ for failing to⁢ submit a verification report on the removal of encroachments. The committee chair, with the consent of members, deemed suparco’s non-compliance a breach of committee privilege.

Provincial Progress on Encroachment Removal (November 25, 2025)