The construction of major surface storages in Pakistan has been forestalled now for almost 25 years despite the dwindling capacity of the existing sotrages and the recurring seasonal shortages of irrigation water which are exacerbating the provincial conflicts. In the face of this situation the most pressing needs are:
- Convincing the stakeholders that, surface storages including small and delay action dams are an economic necessity and that their adverse consequences could be mitigated by socially acceptable means.
- Convincing stakeholders that the benefits of hydropower development needs to be equitably distributed.
- Ensuring through mutually acceptable mechanisms, that the beneficiaries would not be deprived of their due shares in the water resources.
- To improve and enhance the existing infrastructure for water resources development
- To address these basic needs, the strategic elements that can be consideration are:
- Impartial research to bring out the adverse impact of the variability in irrigation supplies on the agricultural production and the extent to which the value of water could be enhanced with a regulated supply.
- Studies to bring out how the adverse environmental impacts of surface storages can be mitigated in a socially and economically viable manner.
- Instituting transparent procedures for water allocation.
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