“The present water supply of Karachi, like that of many Eastern Cities, is insufficient. It has a capacity of only 11 to 15 million gallons per day, whereas the water demand for the city in the first stage of development is estimated to be 70 million gallons per day, increasing to 270 million gallons per day in the future.”— The Merz Rendel Vatten (MRV) Plan, 1951

“The present water resource technology is costly, wasteful of water, makes Karachi vulnerable to system failure, and does not support agriculture development or environmental enhancement in the region. Water demand is increasing rapidly.”— The Karachi Development Plan 1974-1985

In the heart of Karachi, a city known for its vibrant energy and bustling markets, a silent struggle unfolds each night. Jameel, a resident of Korangi, one of the city’s densely populated areas, rises in the middle of the night from his slumber, not to greet the dawn, but to wrestle with the city’s most pressing crisis: water scarcity.

In the early hours of the day, Jameel joins a silent army of Karachiites armed with blue-coloured water cans and recycled plastic buckets. They gather around the water mains, their faces etched with a mix of desperation and resignation. A diesel generator, a lifeline in this water-starved city, roars to life, powering the pumps that draw precious water from the mains.

Water ‘tankers’ barrelling down the road are a common sight even in Karachi’s ‘posh’ areas, illustrating the greatest issue confronting this city’s residents — water scarcity. But why have numerous ‘development plans’ since 1951 failed to address this worsening issue, and will projects such as the K-IV, if it ever comes to fruition, actually be the permanent solution to the megapolis’ unending water supply crisis?

Zahid, a resident of Paharganj in North Nazimabad, has witnessed a chilling transformation in his access to water. Gone are the days of reliable, consistent supply. Now, water has become a scarce commodity, rationed by an unseen hand. For days, sometimes weeks, his taps remain stubbornly dry. The once robust water pressure that easily filled his overhead tank has dwindled to a mere trickle, barely reaching the underground reservoir. This isn’t just a personal inconvenience — it’s a symptom of a deeper malaise gripping the neighbourhood.

Those who can afford them have resorted to desperate measures, installing diesel-powered suction pumps to wrest water from the dwindling supply lines. These powerful pumps, however, create a vicious cycle, further depleting the already meagre flow for those who cannot afford such expensive and polluting solutions.

Zahid, like many of his neighbours, is trapped in a precarious situation. He faces the daily indignity of water scarcity, the constant anxiety of not knowing when his taps will run again, and the frustration of watching his neighbours circumvent the system while he is left to fend for himself. This is not just a water crisis, it’s a crisis of equity — a stark reminder of the widening gap between the haves and ‘have-a-little’ in a city already grappling with numerous challenges.

The recent water crisis in Karachi, triggered by the 84-inch water line damage on the Redline Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route, has raised serious concerns about the city’s water governance. Karachi faces a severe water crisis due to a confluence of factors. Rapid population growth has outstripped water supply, while ageing infrastructure, line losses and inadequate water sources further exacerbate the situation.

With inadequate implementation, past urban planning efforts have also fallen short, hindering the realisation of solutions. The K-IV water supply project — planned back in 2002/2003 and meant to supply 650 million gallons of drinkable water per day to the city — is plagued by delays and cost overruns, hindering its progress. The city’s future hangs in the balance, teetering on the brink of a humanitarian crisis, unless bold and decisive action is taken to address this critical issue.

The K-IV water supply project — planned back in 2002/2003 and meant to supply 650 million gallons of drinkable water per day to the city — is plagued by delays and cost overruns, hindering its progress. The city’s future hangs in the balance, teetering on the brink of a humanitarian crisis, unless bold and decisive action is taken to address this critical issue.

KARACHI’S THIRSTY PAST

The historical evolution of Karachi’s water supply system demonstrates a consistent struggle to meet the city’s growing demand, despite efforts to diversify sources and improve infrastructure.

Before the establishment of the Karachi Municipality in 1852, residents of the city relied on wells and reservoirs for their drinking water. Prominent among these water bodies were Raam Talao, Ratan Talao, Frere Talao, Nanakwara Talao and Rambagh Talao, which were scattered throughout the old city. The term ‘talao’ is often used in the context of smaller water bodies or ponds, particularly in certain regional dialects, and might refer to a more specific........

© Dawn (Magazines)