Editorial
Climate change has reshaped the very patterns of rainfall and river flows, exposing fragile economies like Pakistan to recurring floods and devastation. The conventional response within policy circles has been to advocate for more dams as a shield against these calamities. Yet, in the modern context, such a solution demands deeper scrutiny rather than blind acceptance.
Globally, experiences reveal that dams cannot entirely control floods. With climate-induced variability, the volume and intensity of water flows are no longer predictable. India, despite building multiple dams in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, witnessed their limits as excessive rainfall and landslides overwhelmed the system. This demonstrates that dams, while useful, are not a foolproof mechanism for flood prevention.
In Pakistan’s case, geography adds another constraint. The rivers of Punjab — Ravi, Sutlej, Chenab, and Jhelum — offer no significant safe or effective dam sites. Only a few viable sites exist on the Indus River, and these are more suited to ensuring water availability during drought rather than halting flood surges. Relying solely on dams, therefore, is both impractical and strategically flawed.
The real imperative lies in learning to coexist with floods. International models, particularly China’s, showcase how natural river pathways can be preserved while resilient infrastructure is developed around them. Instead of encroaching upon floodplains, governments can promote adaptive urban planning and safeguard vulnerable communities through preparedness, zoning, and sustainable housing.
Pakistan requires a paradigm shift: from chasing hard infrastructure fixes to investing in resilience, community development, and smart planning. Urban centers need modern drainage and flood management systems, while rural settlements must be integrated into disaster risk reduction frameworks.
Viewing dams as the sole answer is a superficial strategy. A holistic policy framework that blends resilient infrastructure, community partnerships, and adaptive governance is the only sustainable response to climate-driven floods. Pakistan must embrace this new reality to secure both lives and livelihoods.
