PESHAWAR( Jalal Haider)In the remote hills of Mansehra district, a frail 65-year-old resident, Said Khan, spent decades climbing a steep 300-foot slope several times a day just to fetch water for his family. The grueling task took a heavy toll on his weakening body, yet it was unavoidable in a village where water scarcity defined daily life.
Today, thanks to a pioneering initiative, Khan and nearly fifty other families in Icherrian union council no longer face that exhausting ordeal. The installation of Hydraulic Ram Pump (HRP) irrigation technology has not only brought clean water closer to households but has also drastically improved the quality of life in this water-scarce hilly region.
The project was introduced by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) under its Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) program, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
“Hydraulic pumps harness the kinetic energy of flowing water without using fuel or even solar power. The system channels water through a pipeline and pumps it back up to elevations of nearly 300 feet,” explained Engineer Kifayat Zaman, Senior Researcher at IWMI, during an exposure visit to Mansehra.
He said IWMI has so far installed four pumps in the district as a pilot project, with plans to expand the initiative to other water-deprived communities after evaluating results and feedback.
For residents like Muhammad Younas, the change is transformational. “Our women had to carry heavy pots of water up steep slopes, often at night, risking their lives. Now, water is available right at our homes, saving time and energy,” he told reporters. Women, who once had to wash clothes by the riverbanks, now perform daily chores comfortably at home.
The innovation is not only easing household burdens but also sparking hopes for agricultural revival. “We have land but could not cultivate it because we relied solely on rainwater. With water now at our doorstep, we can grow vegetables and even fruits,” said Muhammad Shafaqat, a local farmer.
Experts say the Hydraulic Ram Pump is cost-effective, low-maintenance, and sustainable, offering a practical solution for mountain communities. Unlike diesel or electric pumps, it operates continuously without external power, making it both eco-friendly and climate-resilient.
“Agriculture in Mansehra is largely rainfed, especially in hilly terrain. This technology can change that by ensuring water supply round the clock, helping farmers boost productivity,” noted Naqash Abbasi, an IWMI official.
The success of the project has encouraged IWMI to prepare a proposal for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, recommending wider adoption of the system in other areas struggling with water shortages.
For Said Khan, who once endured daily backbreaking climbs, the new system has brought dignity, relief, and hope. “It is like a blessing in our old age,” he said with a smile.
