As Pakistan faces intensifying water scarcity, erratic monsoons, and worsening energy shortages, the debate over building large dams has once again taken center stage.

While critics argue that dams are outdated and harmful, a growing body of research and technical assessments shows that Pakistan cannot survive without strategic water storage infrastructure, according to the WAPDA Annual report 2024.

The Opposition: Arguments Against Dams

Critics of mega-dams highlight a range of concerns:

Misleading Campaigns:  As per the Pakistan River Civil Society Network, anti-dam voices argue that the public has been misled by pro-dam rhetoric driven by engineering firms and international lenders, often lacking rigorous local research.

Flooding Isn t Solved: According to International Rivers Report on Dam Failures and River Constriction (2021), while dams reduce smaller floods, they often make large floods worse by narrowing natural river channels and creating a false sense of security.

Sedimentation Is Inevitable: According to World Commission on Dams Report (2000), most large dams globally lose substantial storage within 50 years due to silt accumulation.

Nature-Based Storage Exists: According to IWMI study Reclaiming Natural Storage in Pakistan (2023), wetlands, aquifers, and floodplains in Pakistan can collectively store up to 500 MAF of water, more than all proposed dams combined.

Loan and Contractor Driven: Asian Development Bank Infrastructure Review, Pakistan Section (2022), The development of dams is often portrayed as driven more by foreign loans, large contracts, and political milestones than sustainable need.

The Case for Dams: Why They’re Critical for Pakistan:

In contrast, water experts and national planners argue that dams are not optional, they’re essential for Pakistan’s future:

 1. Storage is Key to Agriculture

WAPDA, Ministry of Water Resources Pakistan (2024), reported that Pakistan receives over 80% of its water in just three monsoon months, but its current storage capacity is only 30 days of average river flow, compared to the international benchmark of 120 days. Without dams, this excess water is lost to the sea.

2. Groundwater Alone Can’t Save Us

As per the PCRWR Groundwater Depletion Survey (2022) and the UNDP Water Report, Punjab and Sindh’s aquifers are rapidly depleting due to over-extraction.

In areas like central Punjab, water tables have dropped over 3 meters in the past decade, and salinity is spreading. Ironically, dams actually help recharge aquifers by releasing steady flows into riverbeds, improving downstream percolation.

3. Hydropower Is Crucial for Clean Energy

According to National Transmission & Dispatch Company (NTDC) Power Forecast 2023–2030, mega dams like Tarbela and upcoming projects like Diamer-Bhasha generate low-cost, clean, domestic electricity.

With energy demand growing by 6 to 7% annually, Pakistan cannot rely solely on solar and imported LNG.

National Transmission & Dispatch Company (NTDC) Power Forecast 2023–2030

4. Flood Mitigation Needs Engineering

According to NDMA Post-Flood Damage Assessment (2010) and the WAPDA Tarbela Impact Study (2011), while critics claim dams worsen floods, experts clarify that multi-purpose dams help absorb monsoon peaks when coordinated properly.

In 2010, Tarbela Dam reduced Indus flood volume, saving key downstream infrastructure.

Europe’s reliance on “natural flows” works only because of strict zoning laws. In Pakistan, millions live directly in unregulated floodplains, making controlled storage critical.

5. Sedimentation Can Be Managed

According to Tarbela Extension Reports; Chinese Dams Sedimentation Control Case Studies (2022), Modern dams now use:

·         Sediment bypass tunnels

·         Flushing gates

·         Dredging and upstream watershed management

These technologies have already helped extend Tarbela’s life by over 25 years.

Balanced Strategy of Dams and Nature:

According to IWMI Pakistan Water Policy Paper (2023), WAPDA Vision 2050 The smartest approach, experts argue, is not either/or, but a blend of grey and green infrastructure:

·         Dams for strategic water and energy storage

·         Aquifers and wetlands for environmental resilience

·         Conservation and smart irrigation for efficiency

Rejecting dams entirely ignores Pakistan’s unique geography and seasonal water distribution, experts warn.

Conclusion: Pakistan Can’t Afford to Wait

The existential threat of water insecurity demands that Pakistan invests in a balanced, well-researched water strategy. Dams alone won’t solve everything, but without them, Pakistan faces:

·         Worsening energy crises

·         Devastating food insecurity

·         Aquifer collapse

·         Urban water shortages

·         Increased flood disasters

Nature-based solutions are vital, but they can’t replace the reliability, storage capacity, and energy benefits of large strategic reservoirs.

Pakistan must choose survival over ideology. Storage. Strength. Survival. Pakistan needs dams.