The Problem of Water Management in Diverse Societies: Study of Kalabagh Dam Project in Pakistan

Abstract

The horrible flood of 2010 in Pakistan has revived the debate about the utility of Kalabagh dam project that was, earlier, shelved by the present government. Pakistan is facing acute energy crises and water shortage. Being an agrarian economy, it requires electricity and water for the irrigation purposes. It has been argued that Kalabagh dam can deal with the most problems of Pakistan associated with the energy crises. But, there is a considerable resistance against this project in the smaller units of the federation. The difference of opinion over the distribution of water and Kalabagh dam project is mounting distrust among the federating units. This paper attempts to analyze the objections of smaller units over the construction of Kalabagh dam project. This analysis intends to explore whether the objections are valid or are just the misgivings. Analytical and comparative approach is adopted in the presentation of arguments.