Publication: Groundwater Management in Balochistan, Pakistan: A Case Study of Karez Rehabilitation
Date
2020-01
ISSN
Published
2020-01
Author(s)
Ashraf, Muhammad
ul Hasan, Faizan
Abstract
Balochistan is an arid region with
limited and seasonal surface water resources. It is also
home to the ancient Karez water supply system that has long
served as a buffer against droughts. About one-third of the
3,000 such systems that were believed to be in place in 1970
are still functioning. Aside from its cultural and
historical significance, the Karez system has helped
transform the agrarian landscape of the uplands, improving
socioeconomic conditions. However, recurring droughts since
the 1960s resulted in reduced recharge to groundwater
supporting the Karez systems at a time of growing demands.
To maintain their livelihoods, farmers installed tubewells,
aided by energy subsidies from the provincial government.
Citation
“Ashraf, Muhammad; ul Hasan, Faizan. 2020. Groundwater Management in Balochistan, Pakistan : A Case Study of Karez Rehabilitation. Water Knowledge Note;. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/33241 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”