A CASE STUDY OF WATER GOVERNANCE ISSUES IN SKARDU CITY

Abstract

For the previous many years, the situation of water in Pakistan has changed drastically. It has changed from being a water-rich to a water-stressed country. Water in the rivers and streams is Pakistan's primary source of water supply. Gilgit Baltistan is the northern part of Pakistan, and the region is considered as a water resource rich area due to presence of huge glaciers. In Gilgit Baltistan, glaciers and melting snow are the principal sources of water. Providing long-term water management is critical for any region’s growth, development, and integrity. Pakistan has water resources but still facing water shortages that can be attributed to various stages of governance and management failures. Gilgit Baltistan has huge water resources in the form of Glaciers, but these resources are poorly managed and poorly distributed creating water management and governance issues. Therefore, it is important to examine water administration and water governance system of Gilgit Baltistan. It is also important to assess the entire scenario of water in respect of governance and management. In this regard, no proper research has been carried out to analysis water management and water governance in Gilgit Baltistan. By analyzing and studying the current and traditional water management and water governance system in Gilgit Baltistan both qualitatively as well as quantitatively at various levels, utilizing a comprehensive conceptual approach, the present case study is focused on water governance, management, regulations, and customary practices in Skardu city. Principles of water governance had well recorded the benefits and limitations of the current water governance system at many government levels. Additionally, the indicators approach quantitatively benchmarked the resilience of the current management structure through questionnaires. The research data also indicated that the current water management structure in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, is ineffective. Water governance mechanisms, organizations, and procedures are either in insufficient supply or poorly implemented and functional in the system. In the existing water system of governance, most of the parameters would either not exist or are not followed. The said research aims to identify various issues related to water governance in Skardu. It aims to understand distribution of water system in Skardu city. It also aims to know the impact of fair distribution of water in peace and prosperity of region. Moreover, the research also sheds light on the impacts of poor water governance as a leading role in conflict and disturbance to peace of the region. It also gives some insight on the traditional and indigenous methods of water governance in Skardu city.