GROWING WATER SCARCITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN PAKISTAN: AN ANALYSIS OF URBAN RESILIENCE AND WATER INFRASTRUCTURE OF KARACHI

Abstract

This case study investigates the water scarcity of Karachi, which has been made worse by rapid growth and climate change. The Indus River Basin, Keenjhar Lake, and Hub Dam are the main sources of water for Karachi, which has a population of around 20 million. However, these sources are heavily burdened due to the city's growing population, old infrastructure, and erratic weather patterns. The study examines how climate change has exacerbated these issues by bringing about stronger monsoons, more frequent and severe droughts, and rising temperatures, all of which have an impact on the amount and quality of water. The environment, food security, public health, and economic stability are all impacted by this water disaster. The reduction in agricultural output, the rise in waterborne infections, and the rising cost of water disproportionately affect the city's most disadvantaged citizens. The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) has several challenges in managing the city's water supplies, from outdated infrastructure to financial constraints and inefficient management. In response, Karachi has implemented many policies aimed at reducing water scarcity and enhancing resilience. These include installing water meters, updating water pipelines, and looking into new freshwater sources. Additionally, the city is investing in state-of-the-art technologies such as sophisticated water management systems and desalination facilities. Community-based initiatives and international assistance have also been crucial in addressing the problem, despite ongoing shortcomings in policy implementation and infrastructure development. This study highlights the necessity of employing a comprehensive, multipronged approach to manage Karachi's water resources. The policy recommendations include enhanced public awareness, climate-resilient urban planning, public-private partnerships, advanced water loss control, and integrated water resources management (IWRM). Karachi's water problem might teach other cities facing similar problems a lot.