Independent Report. Gwadar, Oct 2
Gwadar’s worsening water crisis has prompted the Balochistan government to adopt emergency measures, including water tanker deliveries from Mirani Dam, as the port city faces its second consecutive year with minimal rainfall.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Turbat received its first rain in 379 days on August 21, while Pasni in Gwadar district recorded only 6 millimeters on August 22 after 354 dry days. However, Gwadar, along with Jiwani, Dalbandin, Nokkundi, and Panjgur, continues to face severe water shortages, putting immense pressure on existing dams and pipelines.
On September 17, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti chaired a high-level meeting in Gwadar, ordering the transfer of the city’s water distribution network to the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA). Subsequently, on September 21, the GDA reactivated an 83-kilometer pipeline from Shadi Kaur Dam, restoring two million gallons per day (MGD) after more than three years. Technical issues, however, have prevented the line from operating at full capacity.
With continued shortages, Sarfraz Bugti convened another high-level session with provincial and district officials, including MPA Hidayatur Rehman, GDA Director General Moin-ur-Rehman Khan, and Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Chairman Noor-ul-Haq Baloch.
Bugti stressed, “The first priority is to ensure Shadi Kaur Dam is fully connected and operational. The second is tanker supply, and there must be no discrepancy in service.” He directed immediate tanker deliveries from Mirani Dam under GPA supervision, emphasizing full transparency and accountability.
Mirani Dam, located near Turbat in Kech district, about 125–130 km northeast of Gwadar, is primarily used for irrigating the Kech Valley but serves as an emergency water source for Gwadar when local dams dry up.
GDA subsequently invited bids from tanker operators to formalize the emergency water supply, with proposals requested by 11 a.m. on October 1. The tanker deliveries are a temporary measure until Shadi Kaur Dam, GPA desalination plants, and sensor-based water systems reach full capacity. Long-term planning is underway to prevent future water crises in Gwadar.
