Opinion: Pakistan’s Diamer Bhasha dam is neither green nor cheap

The Diamer-Bhasha dam in Pakistan, touted as a green energy solution, may have a high carbon footprint and financial costs. With potential time and cost overruns, the project's overall cost to society could exceed $70 billion, making it economically unsustainable. Pakistan should consider alternative renewable energy options. Full article..

Disrupted rhythms of the Indus

IN their natural state, the rivers of the Indus basin have four distinct mechanisms of water supply — snowmelt, glacial melt, rains and groundwater seepage. Snowmelt starts adding water to the tributaries of the Indus in March and April. By the time the snowmelt wanes, glacial melt kicks in in late April, reaching its apogee by late June. When the glacial melt is at its peak, the monsoon sets in too. Full article..

Ignoring science

STARTING in the 1850s, the development of the Indus river basin, primarily for large-scale irrigated agriculture, was motivated by colonial interests. After independence, the basin’s development involving damming, diverting and dividing the rivers, were motivated by political prejudices emerging from Partition, Cold War politics, and the interests of global financial/ construction businesses. Full article..

The Indus failure

The World Bank has deemed Pakistan's water sector projects as unsatisfactory, citing chronic issues such as unsustainable practices, environmental disasters, and financial mismanagement. The root of these problems lies in a lack of indigenous vision, secretive decision-making processes, flawed knowledge base, and reliance on foreign financing. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial for sustainable water management in Pakistan. Full article..

Kabul River: the key

Development of river navigation in landlocked countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan can lead to economic growth, regional peace, and food security. By negotiating a water treaty and working together to develop the Kabul-Indus river system, both countries can benefit and contribute to the prosperity of the region. Full article..

To save Pakistan, look under its rivers

Pakistan's Indus plains have a vast groundwater system with at least 400 MAF of pristine water. However, the resource is underutilized due to pollution, salinity, and arsenic contamination. A sustainable management plan is needed to harness this valuable resource for the benefit of the population. Full article..

Restore Pakistan’s rivers, handle floods, droughts and climate change

The Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment warns that melting glaciers could lead to increased floods and droughts in Pakistan. To combat these impacts, the focus should be on restoring riverine corridors and active floodplains, which can also help mitigate GHG emissions and promote a green economy. Full article..

The truth about the Mohmand Dam Published

To conserve water and reduce land degradation in Sindh, the chief minister urged farmers to grow cotton instead of rice. Early water from the Kabul River is crucial for Sindh’s crops, but Pakistan's Mohmand Dam may harm lower riparian farmers, weaken its stance on Kabul River rights, and impact national unity. Full article..

Dam Equivalents: The solution to Pakistan’s water crisis 

Pakistan’s water crisis stems from wastage, pollution, and mismanagement, not scarcity. Instead of costly, controversial dams, 'Dam-Equivalents (DEs)' offer sustainable solutions—modern irrigation, Karachi’s aquifer storage, and inland navigation—enhancing efficiency, economy, and environmental sustainability while avoiding conflicts. DEs provide a smarter, cost-effective alternative for long-term water security. Full article..

Dam alternatives? 

A study of 245 dams worldwide found average cost overruns of 96%, with Pakistan’s Neelum-Jhelum project exceeding 500%. Beyond financial losses, dams cause environmental and social damage, have limited lifespans, and fail at flood control. Modern alternatives like aquifer storage and solar power offer cheaper, sustainable solutions. Full article..