Groundwater Depletion in Balochistan Causes, Consequences, and Sustainable Management Strategies

Abstract

Balochistan's largest Pakistani province suffers from severe water shortages because of its desert weather, over-pumped groundwater, and weak state administration. Balochistan must cope with minimal rainfall of 50 to 350 millimeters per year since water loss by evaporation exceeds three thousand millimeters. Our research examines how water scarcity develops in Balochistan and checks whether its current management policies work effectively. We study approaches to provide safe water for future generations. Researchers use both technical data and on-site observations to create their study design. The study reviews multiple records to spot repeated water depletion issues and discover why existing policies did not work. The region of Quetta Valley experiences diminishing groundwater supplies by 2 to 3 meters yearly due to unrestricted expansion of tubewells and inadequate water management. Government control measures have not stopped water usage from getting worse, which now causes problems for both people and nature. People are restoring traditional karez systems, demonstrating better and more lasting approaches to managing water resources. Solving Balochistan's water problems depends on three changes: creating a single water authority, promoting water-saving tech, and giving local people power over their water resources. Our ability to sustain water resources in dry areas depends on combining old water-saving roots with new water technology. Research results help everyone in creating better water management plans for the future.

Keywords: Water Scarcity, Groundwater Depletion, Balochistan, Water Management, Climate Change, Irrigation Practices, Governance, Karez System, Sustainable Solutions