Investigation of Hydrological Drought Phenomenon in Town IV, District Peshawar

Abstract

Drought is a normal and worldwide event that occurs when water availability is significantly below normal levels during a considerable period of time and cannot meet the requisite demands. Drought is an extreme natural hazard that disturbs ecosystems and environment in many ways. These impacts are related with hydrological drought (drought in lakes, rivers, and groundwater). Hydrological drought refers to a lack of water in the hydrological system, manifesting itself in abnormally low stream flow in rivers and abnormally low levels in lakes, reservoirs, and groundwater. Hydrological drought increases food insecurity, physical and mental health problems, debts and people start migration due to hydrological drought related problems. Hydrological Drought decreases the water accessibility in the soil which leads to decreased fertility ratio of soil, biodiversity, crops productivity, water table, and capacity of reservoirs. Three indicators were used to investigate hydrological drought in town IV District Peshawar; rainfall, stream flow of rivers, and water table data in to achieve aims and objectives of this research. The reduction trend in water table varied from one to three feet per year in the study area. As per the data collected from Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) regional office, Peshawar the precipitation has reduced in the study area. Data regarding stream flow discharge was collected from Irrigation Department Peshawar which showed that huge differences have been observed in rivers capacity in the last two decades. Besides questionnaire survey was carried from local population in the study area which augmented the data obtained from different departments. Analysis of the research results show that three main indicators for drought which is precipitation, water table, and surface water availability have reduced in the study area. The study concludes by recommending measures in order to mitigate the impacts of the hydrological drought phenomenon in the study area. Government departments, NGOs, INGOs, and other stakeholders should take immediate steps otherwise this may seriously affect the food security, social well being and environment of the study area.