**Senate Committee Calls for Urgent Action on Groundwater Governance, Encroachments, and Nai Gaj Dam Delays**
The Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources has called for accelerated action to address critical issues in Pakistan’s water sector, raising concerns over delays in implementing regulatory frameworks, persistent encroachments on natural waterways, and stalled progress on the Nai Gaj Dam project. The committee, chaired by Senator Shahadat Awan, emphasized the need for coordinated governance and prompt remedial measures after reviewing compliance reports and project updates during a recent session in Islamabad.
At the outset, the committee expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Water Resources over unresolved directives from previous meetings, noting that multiple matters remain unaddressed despite repeated follow-ups. The Ministry was instructed to submit a comprehensive compliance report detailing implementation status, reasons for outstanding issues, and updated timelines for each recommendation.
A key administrative concern discussed was the slow pace in filling vacancies at the Federal Flood Commission (FFC), where 16 out of 37 positions remain vacant. Committee members cautioned that such staffing gaps hamper the ministry’s ability to function effectively and requested an update within three months on the efforts to complete recruitment.
The committee further examined progress on dam safety legislation. Officials informed members that the Dams Safety Bill, drafted with assistance from the Asian Development Bank, had recently been submitted to the ministry. The bill is expected to be ready for introduction in the legislative assembly following final vetting within three months.
Encroachments on natural water bodies emerged as a topic of particular concern. Lawmakers cited widespread illegal development along watercourses as a growing threat to water management and flood prevention. The Ministry and local authorities were directed to take immediate action to remove such encroachments, compile a detailed list of affected sites, and provide clear timelines for clearance. While reviewing inter-agency coordination, the committee found the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) to be lacking in adequate response and directed them to work closely with the FFC and other departments, submitting a report on their efforts within a month. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) was similarly criticized for its lack of concrete information on encroachments within Islamabad, with a mandate to compile and submit a detailed report and accelerate removal efforts.
Delays in the Nai Gaj Dam project also drew serious concern. Officials from WAPDA and the Ministry reported that progress remains stalled due to insufficient federal funding and rising costs linked to inflation. The committee pressed the government to approve the revised project cost estimate (3rd PCI) within a month and release the necessary funds, stressing that the dam’s completion is critical for regional water security. Minister for Water Resources, Moeen Watto, committed to advancing the issue for urgent government action.
The committee also reviewed the implementation of the National Water Policy and provincial groundwater regulations. While legislation exists in Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, enforcement remains weak. Balochistan is preparing a legislative update, with officials stating that provincial regulation will improve once the new law is enacted. However, there were concerns over lack of groundwater data and unchecked construction, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which contributes to urban flooding and depletion of water resources. The federal ministry revealed that outreach to provinces has been met with limited cooperation.
Recognizing these challenges, the committee directed all provinces to submit updated reports within a month, outlining regulatory progress, enacted legal instruments, and any operational barriers. Emphasizing institutional coordination and timely response, the committee reiterated the importance of addressing administrative and regulatory shortcomings to safeguard Pakistan’s long-term water sustainability.
The meeting was attended by senators, ministry officials, WAPDA representatives, and provincial irrigation authorities. Chairman Shahadat Awan concluded by underscoring the need for urgent action, including consideration of inviting the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to future meetings to discuss oversight of WAPDA projects and unresolved inquiries.
