Hydel ‘Top Priority’ As Lahore HC Calls For Water Emergency

Water Emergency

With rainfall levels significantly below average, Pakistan faces an escalating threat of drought. In response, the federal government has pledged to fast-track vital water storage and clean energy projects to safeguard the nation’s future.

Government Reaffirms Focus On Hydropower & Water Storage

Federal Minister for Water Resources, Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, during a visit to WAPDA House in Lahore, emphasized the government’s focus on long-term water and energy sustainability. He assured full federal backing for ongoing hydropower and water infrastructure projects, which are considered crucial to economic and environmental resilience.

“The federal government accords highest priority to increasing water storage and adding clean, green, and economically affordable hydel electricity to the national grid for providing cheaper electricity to the consumers and stabilising the national economy,” said Minister Wattoo. He further committed to providing “complete support to Wapda for ensuring the on-time completion of all related initiatives.”

Major Projects

WAPDA officials informed the minister that the authority is currently managing its largest development portfolio to date. Eight major projects are underway, including:

Diamer-Basha Dam
Mohmand Dam
Dasu Hydropower Project
Tarbela 5th Extension
Kurram Tangi Dam (Stage 1)
Nai Gaj Dam
Kachhi Canal Extension
Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV)

Set for phased completion between 2026 and 2030, these initiatives aim to double Pakistan’s hydropower capacity from 9,500 MW to 19,500 MW. Additionally, they will increase water storage by 9.7 million acre-feet, expand irrigation to 3.9 million acres of farmland, and deliver 950 million gallons of potable water daily to major cities like Karachi and Peshawar.

The projects are also making a significant economic impact, generating around 35,000 jobs during various stages of development, according to Dawn.

Minister Wattoo expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating, “In view of significance for the country, it is good that these projects are being pursued vigorously for their completion.”

While progress continues on infrastructure, the Lahore High Court has raised serious concerns over rampant water misuse, particularly in urban areas. Justice Shahid Karim, presiding over cases related to environmental and smog issues, called for declaring a water emergency in rural regions to tackle groundwater depletion.

The court directed the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to take strict action against housing schemes wasting water. “Any society where people are seen washing cars with hoses should be sealed immediately,” Justice Karim ordered, emphasizing the need for penalties up to PKR 500,000 and potential legal action against repeat offenders.

In a move to enforce long-term conservation, the judge also instructed the LDA to reject any new building plans that lack integrated water recycling systems.

Despite some recent success in stabilizing Lahore’s underground water levels, the court warned that inaction could reverse these gains. Justice Karim highlighted broader concerns as well: “There was also a water crisis in Cholistan,” he said, urging coordinated efforts across Punjab.

Climate Warnings & Policy Shifts

Justice Karim also voiced concern over changing weather patterns and the implications of a failed monsoon. “The weather was changing after a long time and if Pakistan did not have monsoon rains, it would be facing drought,” he warned.

To improve compliance in both environmental and civic matters, the judge proposed replacing certain FIRs with heavier monetary fines, suggesting this approach could be more effective in ensuring enforcement.

The court adjourned the hearing until next week, but its message was clear: without urgent and sustained action, Pakistan’s water crisis could spiral further.