In Pakistan, the ongoing debate surrounding large dams has seen starkly opposing views. On one hand, critics argue that the push for dams is driven by vested interests – ranging from energy policies to national security – lacking solid evidence or sustainable planning. On the other, proponents maintain the importance of dams in addressing the country’s water storage, energy production, and flood management needs, particularly given the challenges of seasonal rainfall and rapidly depleting groundwater reserves.
THE NAYSAYERS
The case against dams in Pakistan has gained traction in recent years. One of the most common arguments is that the campaigns advocating for the construction of mega-dams was largely shaped by the lobbies, which lacked credible research and presented a misleading narrative about the necessity of these projects.
For instance, critics argue, dams do not offer a guaranteed solution to flood management. While they may mitigate smaller floods, they exacerbate larger flood events by constricting river channels and redirecting the flow of water. Then there is the issue of sedimentation, where the buildup of silt reduces the capacity of reservoirs. Dams typically become unsustainable within 50 years, losing much of their utility over time, critics contend.
Another argument against dams comes from the fact that Pakistan’s vast aquifers, wetlands, and river floodplains are capable of storing almost 500 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, making large dams unnecessary. For those falling on the naysayers side of the dams, these megaprojects are often seen as driven by contractors and international loans, with little consideration for long-term sustainability or alternative water management strategies.
THE PRO-DAM TEAM
Advocates for dams point out that these structures are not merely about flood control; their central role is in water storage and regulation. With highly seasonal rainfall and river inflows, Pakistan’s agricultural, drinking, and hydropower needs can only be met through controlled water storage.
Without large reservoirs, the country would struggle to meet its year-round water requirements. The seasonal nature of water availability, especially given the impact of monsoons, means that Pakistan faces an uneven distribution of water throughout the year. This is where the pro-group suggests dams as a critical option for ensuring that water is available during dry months, especially when agricultural demands are high and hydropower generation is necessary to meet energy needs.
The counter-argument to nature’s water storage methods come in the form that ‘Aquifers, while vital, are not a limitless resource’. Over-extraction of groundwater, particularly in regions like Punjab and Sindh, has already led to depletion, salinity, and contamination of these underground water sources. Dams, by providing controlled surface storage, also contribute to the recharging of aquifers, ensuring their long-term sustainability.
Those favouring dams argue that relying purely on natural water flows is an unrealistic solution. Pakistan’s densely populated floodplains are home to millions of people, and the risk of devastating floods, which can cause widespread destruction, is much higher compared to countries like those in Europe. Effective governance, including land-use regulation, plays a key role in managing flood risks, but Pakistan’s ability to manage these natural disasters would be compromised without the presence of strategic water reservoirs.
Tackling sedimentation is yet another challenge, more so for those in favour of building dams. Nevertheless, they assert that modern engineering solutions can mitigate these issues. Methods such as flushing, bypass tunnels, dredging, and improved watershed management have already extended the operational lifespans of reservoirs like Tarbela and Mangla. These technologies, alongside better planning and maintenance, allow for the continued use of these critical infrastructure projects.
Additionally, large dams are integral to Pakistan’s energy strategy. Hydropower generated from these reservoirs provides a clean, renewable, and reliable source of energy. Dams complement other renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, and they play a key role in managing peak demand and providing base-load electricity. In the context of climate change, where energy demands and water availability fluctuate, hydropower is seen as an essential part of Pakistan’s energy security and long-term climate mitigation efforts.
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
The most effective solution, experts argue, lies in an integrated approach to water and energy management. Large dams are crucial for strategic water storage, energy generation, and the regulation of water flows. At the same time, alternative solutions such as aquifers, wetlands, and floodplain management must be explored to build resilience and maintain ecological balance. Rejecting dams altogether is seen as impractical given Pakistan’s water-stressed reality, where sustainable water storage and management are fundamental to survival.
Pakistan faces an existential challenge when it comes to water security. The country’s reliance on seasonal monsoon rains, combined with depleting groundwater resources and the need for reliable energy sources, necessitates the development of large, strategically placed reservoirs. While nature-based solutions like aquifers and wetlands offer valuable support, they cannot replace the water storage, regulation, and energy production that dams provide.
In the face of a rapidly growing population, intensifying climate conditions, and shifting water patterns, the call for large dams is not just about flood control or energy needs – it is a matter of national survival. The ongoing challenge for Pakistan will be to balance these needs while ensuring that dams are developed in a way that considers long-term sustainability, environmental concerns, and the needs of local communities.
