Geography O-Level P-2 Notes by Javed Kausar 1 Unit 3: Water sources in Pakistan

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UNIT 3 Syllabus 2019 – 21

Water

 Identify on a map the Mangla, Tarbela and

WATER
Warsak dams, and name two examples of
barrages
 Understand the importance of water as a

SOURCES IN
resource; understand how supplies for
agricultural, industrial and domestic
purposes are obtained, maintained and

PAKISTAN
controlled as well as used;
 Understand the reasons for, and
consequences of, the Indus Water Treaty
 Explain and evaluate the causes of and
solutions to the problems of water supply
(including pollution)
 Understand the value of water as a
resource for development
O Level  Explain and evaluate how water supply
issues can lead to conflict.
Pakistan Studies
(Geography)

Javed Kausar

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Geography O-Level P-2 Notes by Javed Kausar 2 Unit 3: Water sources in pakistan
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UNIT-3: SOURCES OF WATER IN PAKISTAN

Natural Resources
There are two types of natural resources:
1. Renewable Resources
a. Continuous
b. Sustainable
2. Non-Renewable Resources
Renewable Resources are those that can be recycled or reused. They are of two types, sustainable
and continuous. Sustainable resources are those that can be reused if they are taken care of e.g. trees,
fish. Continuous resources are the ones that never finish, and can be used repeatedly e.g. water, wind
etc.
Non-renewable resources occur in a limited quantity and will run out if used widely. e.g. minerals oil,
natural gas etc.

Sustainable Resources
Using the present resources in a manner that they fulfill the needs of present and future generation

Water Resources
Water Cycle

Main Sources
Rivers Systems of Pakistan
1. Indus River System (Eastern Tributaries, Indus Jehlum, Chenab, Satluj & Western Tributaries,
Kabul, Kurram, Tochi & Gomal)
2. Rivers Of Balochistan (Smaller in length & width – less water) seasonal rivers

The Indus System

 Indus is the largest river of Pakistan.
 The glaciers and snow capped Mts. of Hindu Kush and of Himalayas and Karakorams water it.
 It flows in east west direction between Himalayas and Karakorams before turning to north south
direction at Sazin.
 The River Indus enters the plains of Punjab at Kalabagh.
 At Mithankot River Panjnad (Eastern Tributaries) meets River Indus.
 Then, finally, it flows into the Arabian Sea.
 The Indus irrigates about 60% of Pakistan’s total cultivable land.
 The River Indus has the highest mean monthly discharge in June and July.
 The volume of water starts to rise from March onwards and decrease from August onwards to
February.

Eastern Tributaries of River Indus Western Tributaries of River Indus

 River Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and  The rivers to the west of river Indus are smaller
Jhelum are the main eastern tributaries in length and width and have comparatively less
of river Indus. water than the eastern tributaries.
Geography O-Level P-2 Notes by Javed Kausar 3 Unit 3: Water sources in Pakistan
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 These tributaries flow from the  These rivers contain more water during the
Himalayas and then enter the Indus summer season due to the melting of snow.
plain.  The water in these rivers decreases during
 All these tributaries join each other at winters because there is no melting of snow.
Panjnad to become the river Panjnad,  Western rivers are Swat, Kabul, kurram, Tochi,
which meets river Indus at Mithankot. Gomal, Zhob. These are smaller in length and
 The volume of water in the eastern width and have less water than the eastern
tributaries increases in summers due to tributaries.
the melting of snow but mainly due to  The indus basin covers an area of about one
Monsoons. million square kilometers.

Rivers Of Baluchistan
 Quetta, being a high altitude region, has the central position in the drainage pattern of
Baluchistan.
 Rivers like Zhob, Khandar and the Kalachi river drain into the Indus River because they flow
eastwards. Some rivers are absorbed into the Kacchi Sibi Plains.
 The rivers Hab, Porali, Hingol and Mashkel drain into the Arabian Sea.
 There are shallow depressions called Hamuns it is also known as inland drainage

Inland Drainage
Inland drainage basins have no outlet to sea so whatever rain falls, it soaks in ground or evaporated
leaving behind either thin or thick crust of salt. It is known as salt pane also

Importance of rivers to Pakistan

 Scenic beauty
 Helps in H.E.P. generation.
 Making of reservoirs of dams and barrages and canals leading from them for irrigation
 More organic matter in soils increased fertility.
 Fishing in reservoirs of dams and barrages, rivers, natural lakes.
 Irrigation to areas like Thal and Thar.
 Domestic and industrial uses.
Geography O-Level P-2 Notes by Javed Kausar 4 Unit 3: Water sources in pakistan
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GROUND WATER
What is ground water: Water that seeps into ground and saturates by filling pore spaces in the soil is
called ground water.

USES OF WATER
Use of Water in three sectors
1 Irrigation (Agriculture) 2 Industrial Uses 3 Domestic Uses

1. Irrigation (Agriculture)
Irrigation is an artificial means of providing water for plant growth.
Need For irrigation.
In Pakistan about 75% of the cultivated land is under irrigation. We need irrigation for the following
reasons:
 High variability in amount, timing and distribution.
 Long dry spells i.e. dry periods between Monsoons and Western Depressions.
 Increased evapo-transpiration from north to south and decrease in precipitation from north to
south.
 In some areas total number of rainy days is less than ten days.
 Heavy rainfall in Monsoons increases run-off resulting in floods in Indus Plains.
 Rainfall that occurs in heavy showers is of little use to farmers
 Aridity prevails throughout the year in most areas of Pakistan – 50% of Pakistan experience
arid and 40% semi arid conditions

Methods of Irrigation
Traditional Methods Modern Methods
Shaduf Canals
 It is used to get water from a river or a canal Perennial Canals
by a bucket which is attached to a pole with  Canals linked to a reservoir of a dam or a
weight on the other side. barrage is known as a perennial canal.
 It is rarely used today since it cannot be  The initial cost of these canals is high but
used to irrigation large piece of land. water can be made available throughout
the year.
 Irrigates vast areas.
 May cause water-logging and salinity.
Link Canals
 Link canals take water from western rivers
(Indus, Jhelum & Chenab) to eastern rivers
(Ravi & Sutlej) to compensate loss of water
as a result of Indus Water Treaty. They are
connected to the reservoirs of dams and
Charsa barrages.
 In Charsa, animal power is used to pull Lined and Unlined Canals
water from the well.  Lined canals are those canals which are
 It is not used by many farmers now brick lined or paved with concrete to control
seepage of water where as canals made of
earth/ soil are known as unlined canals.
Tubewells
 Have diesel or electrically operated pumps
that can raise water from a depth of 300
feet or more to irrigate large areas of land.
 Provide water throughout the year.
 They also help to lower the water table.
 Tubewells also help to lower the water table
Persian Wheel
thereby protecting the land from water
 It can be used to irrigate comparatively
logging and salinity.
larger area.
 It is powered by a blindfolded pair of
bullock.
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 Bullocks turn horizontal wheel geared to a

vertical wheel. The shaft leading from
vertical wheel rotates the wheel mounted
on top of well.
 Earthen or metal pots are attached with
chain or rope to the wheel mounted on the
well.
 When the wheel rotates pots raise water
from the well and spill water into the
channel that leads to the fields.
Sprinklers
 Sprinklers are connected to tubewells.
 They are centrally placed in fields to water
plants.
 They are mainly used in orchards.
 It uses water much more efficiently. (less
water irrigates large areas)

Karez
 It is a horizontal underground canal in the
foothills which brings underground water to
the surface.
 Vertical wells are dug down to dig the
canal, to clear and repair it and prevent
blockages and bring water to surface in
valley. Tankers
 They go dry when there is no rainfall.  Tankers collect water from tube wells,
ponds and lakes etc. and provide it to
households and for irrigation.
 It is very expensive.

Inundation Canals
 Long canals taken off from large rivers.
 They only receive water when the river is
high enough and especially when there is
a flood.
 A diversion channel is also a version of an
inundation canal.
Tank Irrigation
 It is practiced by constructing mud banks
across small streams or in depressions to
make a small reservoir which collects
excess water during rainy season.
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Advantages/Disadvantages of traditional methods of irrigation:

Advantages Disadvantages
 Suitable for fruit farms/orchards  Expensive, usually owned by a group of
 Minimum evaporation as it is kept farmers.
underground.  Regular desiltation (removal of silt)
required, making it more difficult to
maintain.
 Not suitable for crop farming on large
scale.

Advantages/Disadvantages of modern methods of irrigation:

Advantages Disadvantages
 Can be built in the flat land of the Indus  Heavy investment needed for building.
plains and valleys of KPK.  Problems of water logging and salinity if
 Natural NE/North-east to SW/South-west canal banks are left unlined.
slope of Pakistan’s land, soft soils of the  Loss of water due to evaporation if kept
Indus plains and the IRS are helping open throughout the year.
factors to build them.  Not affordable by subsistence farmers.
 Provide water throughout the year.  Can’t be built in rugged areas.
 No huge running cost; only initial cost is big.
 No electricity/diesel/animal power needed.

2. Industrial Uses
Water is required in almost all industries – in some industries it is used as a raw material while in other
industries it is used for cooling (Steel Industry) or washing purposes (Textile Industry)
Amount of water used varies from industry to industry – for example iron industry uses huge amounts
of water while cosmetic industry uses very little amount of water. Thermal power stations (to produce
steam that make the turbine move). Hydro – electric power stations.

3. Domestic Uses
Water uses include drinking, cooking, washing and sanitation

Indus Water Treaty 1960

1. In 1948 India threatened to stopped the flow of water in canals irrigating areas of Pakistan
leading from barrages on River Ravi (Madhopur) and Sutlej (Firozpur).
2. It was necessary for Pakistan to find permanent solution to this problem because:
 Pakistan has low annual rainfall amount decreasing from north (750 mm. to less than
125mm) in south.
 Amount timing and distribution are highly variable.
 Increasing population more demand for food.
 Agro based economy.
 India could have asked to buy water from them.
3. The Indus Water Treaty is a water sharing treaty between India and Pakistan.
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4. It was signed in 1960

5. Under this treaty Pakistan received rights to the three western tributaries (Indus, Jhelum and
Chenab) and India to the eastern tributaries (Ravi, Beas and Sutlej). Two storage dams Mangla
and Tarbela, five barrages, one siphon and eight link canals were to be built.

DAMS
Dams are artificial barriers built across rivers to control the flow of water. Without dams, water flows
naturally, but this may not suit local communities and farmers who neeed certain amounts of water at
certain times. However, recent research shows that dams can also be responsible for floods and
earthquakes.

Small Dam Large Dam

 Store water for irrigation.  Store water for irrigation.
 Irrigate local areas only.  Irrigate a vast area
 Supply water for industrial and domestic  Supply water for industrial and domestic
use. use.
 Supply little or no electricity.  Major suppliers of Hydroelectric Power.
 Silting problem is easier to solve.  Silting problem is difficult to solve.
 Require comparatively low initial  Initial investment cost is very high.
investment.  Maintenance cost is very high.
 Maintenance cost is low.  Construction time is more and does not
 Construction time is less and yields quick yield quick results.
results.  More important for flood control.
 Not much important for flood control.  Large-scale evacuation is required.
 Very few people are evacuated in order to  Large dams generally have a range of
construct the dam. extensive impacts on rivers, watersheds
 Small dams have little impact on rivers, and aquatic ecosystems that are more
watersheds and aquatic water systems. negative and have lead to the loss of
species and ecosystems.

Differences Between Dams and Barrages:

DAMS BARRAGES
Multipurpose i.e. water storage for irrigation, Water for irrigation and prevention of floods.
prevention of floods as well as producing HEP.
Great height and depth. Longer than dams but less higher.
Site requirements e.g. mountains etc. No such requirements; may be built on plains
as well.
High cost. Low cost.

Structure of Dam Structure of Barrage

Describe the site of the dam Barrage is:
 steep rock face/scar/cliff  longer/wider/less high
 bare rock/rocky/barren  water on both sides
 deep valley } valley  link canal
 narrow valley }  both have railings along top
 flatter/lower area/beach  low/flatter land
 side valley/tributary
 scree/gravel/sand
Geography O-Level P-2 Notes by Javed Kausar 8 Unit 3: Water sources in pakistan
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Main Barrages of Pakistan

Siltation
Siltation is when the eroded material that the river picks up on its way accumulates in the reservoir of
dams and barrages.

Causes Effects Control/Solution

 Abundance of silt eroded  Blockage of canals  Large-scale forestation,
from the Karakoram, Hindu because silt accumulates. especially on the foothills
Kush and Himalayas.  Weakens the foundation of of Himalayas.
 Deforestation. dams.  Cemented embankment of
 Rivers form deep and  Choking of irrigational canals to make cleaning
narrow valleys in northern canals. easier.
areas. Most of the eroded  Reduced capacity of  Installation of silt trap
material piles up in the reservoir and less flow of before the water flows
reservoirs of dams. water affects the down to the dams.
generation of hydroelectric  Structural measure such
power and the capacity of as operating the reservoir
water available for at lower level during flood
irrigation. and allowing free flow
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 Flow of flood water is during low flow season for

hampered which may sluicing sediments from
cause heavy damage to the reservoir.
the dam.  Raising height of the dam
to increase the capacity of
the reservoir.

Water Logging and Salinity

1. Water-logging and salinity are two outcomes of canal irrigation in Pakistan.
2. The introduction of perennial canals caused the water table to rise.
3. The water on reaching the surface evaporates and the salts are deposited on the surface,
making the land unsuitable for farming.
4. The rise of the water-table to the surface level is called water-logging and the appearance of
salty patches is called salinity.

Effects:
 Serious damage to soils.
 Infertility of soils; no crops can be grown in the affected soils.
 Poor crop yield.
 Poor farm income: poverty for farmers.
 Adverse effects on the agro-based industries; reduced supply of raw materials, eg. Raw cotton
to industries and so, less industrial production.
 Lesser export earning: reduced GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and GNP (Gross National
Product).
 Additional cost of treating the problems.

How to solve the problems of water-logging and salinity?

Water-logging and salinity have made large pieces of land uncultivable. Water-logging and salinity can
be prevented by the following methods:-
1. Lining of canals to control seepage of water.
2. Canal closure on temporary basis so that water passes through only when needed for irrigation
purposes.
3. Installing tube wells to lower the water-table and
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4. To provide extra water to flush out salts from the soil.

5. Planting eucalyptus trees.
6. Surface drain to divert surface water to nearby river or lake.

Surface Water Pollution

1. Dumping of industrial and agriculture waste and inadequate sewage disposal systems cause
surface water pollution.
2. Massive pollution in rivers occurs at various points.
3. Among the worst is the discharge of around 380 cusecs of untreated raw sewage from Lahore into
river Ravi
4. This means only 1:1 dilution is available in rainy season.

Management of Water Resources

1. A fair and just distribution of water between the provinces is essential.
2. A water accord was signed in 1991, which resulted in the creation of IRSA (Indus River System
Authority).
3. However, there were several disputes and the water accord was, more or less, finished.
4. The scarcity of water resources may affect Pakistan’s economy negatively because Pakistan is an
agricultural country.

SAMPLE QUESTION:
(a) Why do problems of waterlogging and salinity occur in some irrigated areas?
Waterlogging
 Water available all year
 Crops given more water than they use
 Watertable rises/reaches surface

Salinity
 Evaporation of water
 Salt in irrigation water
 Salts brought to surface
 Unlined canals leak

(b) How can these problems be overcome?

Lowering water table by tubewells trees

Control of water by lining canals closing canals temporarily surface drains
Flushing out of salt by water from tubewells surface drains
Education to improve farming methods
Government schemes SCARP, WAPDA
Geography O-Level P-2 Notes by Javed Kausar 11 Unit 3: Water sources in Pakistan
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(a) Study Fig. which shows an irrigation system.

(i) Name the irrigation system shown in Fig.

 Karez

(ii) Name an area of Pakistan where it is used.

 Balochistan
 Kech Valley / Turbat /Miri / Sharak

(iii) Explain how this system provides water for agriculture in this area.
 rain falls in mountains
 drains to the foothills / sinks into ground / groundwater /
 travels in tunnels / underground canals
 reaches surface / oases
 tunnels need maintenance
 owned by groups of farmers

(iv) Name a fruit crop grown in this area.

 dates / apricot / apple / grapes / peaches / melons

(a) Study Fig. which shows the results of a land-use survey in Pakistan in 2008.
(i) What percentage of land is cultivated?
 37/ 38

(ii) What percentage of land is waste?

 13 / 14/ 15

(iii) Explain how soils are damaged by waterlogging and salinity.

 Caused by too much irrigation water / misuse of water by illiterate farmers
 Seeps from canals
 Water table rises / soil becomes too wet / puddles of water
 Water rises upwards carrying salts
 Evaporates causing salinity
 hard crust forms / salt patches
 salt poisons crops / crops die
 Roots cannot breathe in waterlogged soil

(iv) Explain three reasons, other than by waterlogging and salinity, why over half the land
was not cultivated when the survey was made.
 Pasture - grazing
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 Fallow – to allow soil to rest

 Low rainfall / away from canals / desert –infertile, plants cannot grow, no soil
 Mountains – steep slopes / lack of soil (accept rugged)
 Forest – need for
 Rivers – may flood
 Residential / housing - for large population
 Industry – factories need large space
 Commercial – eg. city centres
 Mineral extraction – plus waste
 Pollution – crops die
 Roads, railways, airports – for communication
 Damage – eg. deforestation, pollution
 Wasted by landlords
 Very cold

(b) To what extent could government action increase agricultural production in Pakistan?

Possibilities Problems
Improve education eg. model farms, travelling Lack of money
advisors, training centres, colleges Illiteracy
Loans eg. for machinery, HYV, fertiliser High population
Subsidies eg. for imported machinery, fertiliser Other calls on government investment / attention
prices lower Fears of unemployment due to mechanisation
More fertiliser / pesticides factories or imports Land reforms may fail due to corruption / power
More machinery factories or imports of landlords etc.
Land reforms eg. consolidation
Improve water availability eg. reservoirs, canals
Cure of waterlogging and salinity eg. SCARP
Weather forecasts
Media eg. radio, TV

(a) Study Fig., a map showing the major rivers of Pakistan.

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(i) Name rivers V, W, X and Y.

V = Indus
W= Jhelum
X = Chenab
Y = Ravi

(ii) Name dam Z shown on Fig.

Z= Mangla Dam

(b) (i) Name two examples of barrages.[2]

 Amandarra
 Balochi
 Chasma
 Guddu
 Islam
 Jinnah
 Kotri
 Kurrangarhi
 Marala
 Panjnad
 Qadirabad
 Rasul
 Siddha
 Sukkur
 Sulaimanka
 Taunsa
 Trimma

(ii) State the differences between barrages and dams.

 Dams store water / barrages control flow of water;
 Barrages can supply little / small amounts / no electricity (dams are major suppliers of
hydel power);
 Silting is a problem for dams (but not barrages);
 Maintenance cost is lower for barrages (more expensive for dams);
 Construction and or maintenance time is quicker for barrages (longer for dams);
 Construction cost is lower for barrages (more expensive for dams);
 Fewer or no people have to be evacuated for barrages;
 Barrages have less environmental impact than dams;
 Barrages can be built on flat land (dams require steep slopes);
 Dams have multiple uses whereas barrages do not;
 Dams provide water for a larger area than barrages;
 Barrage to deviate channel to an area where there is no river;
 Do not need to excavate a large area for barrages.

(iii) Suggest four problems caused by siltation.

 Reducing water supply / less water available / water becomes silty / pipes blocked /
reduces capacity of reservoir / less water stored;
 Blocking the flow of water / blocks canals or rivers / chokes or blocks irrigation canals or
pipes / water cannot get through / floods may occur;
 Weakens foundations of dams / have to be emptied or strengthened / flow of flood water
is hampered and can damage dam / damage to turbines or machinery;
 Not enough water for irrigation / industry / domestic use;
 Reduces water available for hydel power / generation of hydel power stopped;
 Encourages growth of algae / eutrophication.

(c) Explain why rivers are important to Pakistan. You should develop your answer.
 Scenic beauty; for tourism / picnic / leisure (dev);
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 Provides water; especially to areas where rainfall is low/named; examples / sustains life or
drinking water (dev);
 Helps to generate hydel power / electricity; which reduces power shortages / reduces need to
import coal or oil / reduces need to use fossil fuels (dev) / one of main sources of electricity;
 Adds alluvium to soil; so, improves the fertility of the soil / aids crop growth (dev);
 For fishing industry / subsistence fishing; provides income or food supply to local areas /
people (dev);
 Provides water for domestic use / in the home; named examples, e.g. cooking / cleaning
(dev);
 Provides water for industries; named examples, e.g. cement, brick making, cotton (dev);
 Provides water for irrigation / agriculture / farming; used to irrigate / water crops / feed
livestock / or named examples, e.g. wheat / cotton / sugar cane (dev);
 Transport; for trade / avoid using roads or rail / access to ports (dev);
Etc.

(d) Read the following two views about providing solutions to the challenges of water supply
in Pakistan:

Which view do you agree with more? Give reasons to support your answer and refer to
examples you have studied. You should consider View A and View B in your answer.

Small dams
 Cheaper to construct;
 Less technical expertise needed;
 Can be built more quickly;
 Minimal disruption to people and environment;
Etc.

Large dams
 More people will benefit;
 Can produce HEP which is good for developing the country;
 Provides employment opportunities;
 A bigger area is utilized;
Etc.
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