indus irrigation paper 2

• Indus River


  International river found in Pakistan, with drainage basin and tributaries crossing into Afghanistan, China and India

  
• Indus River being an international river


  Can lead to political conflict and difficulties in management
• Importance of Indus River

  • River sources its water from melting snow and heavy rain in the Himalayas
  • South of Pakistan receives lower levels of rainfall, so farmers rely on the river for irrigation
• Farming is incredibly important to Pakistan, since food is increasing in price
• Pakistan


  Grows a surplus of food, including wheat, rice and pulses
• The cost of food has increased 18% within the last year (2019 to 2020) in Pakistan
• 37% of Pakistan's population face food insecurities, especially the poorest communities and women
• Development of Pakistan


  Government is trying to feed its population sufficiently, so water is extremely important to successful farming
• Indus Basin Irrigation System

  • Consists of dams, canals and reservoirs to ensure farmland receives a supply of water for irrigation

  
• Components of Indus Basin Irrigation System

  • Dams
  • Canals
  • Reservoirs

  
• Dams


  There are three dams along the Indus River, with three more planned, to create reservoirs that trap water

  
• Tarbela Dam


  Largest dam, can hold 100 million cubic metres of water
• Canals


  45 canal control points can release water into small pockets of land throughout Pakistan, first constructed during British Rule (1850s - 1950s)
• Reservoirs


  Have been very successful in trapping water in different regions across Pakistan, as there aren't many natural water stores in the lower river
• advantages are that people get water for farming - better economy and rice fish farms are more efficient an well as reducing the lack of water
• disadvantage is that it has caused environmental issues such as soil erosion and salinity problems due to saltwater intrusion from the sea.