Mansehra( Mohsin Khan)A delegation of journalists from Peshawar undertook a one-day study visit to Mansehra district at the invitation of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). The purpose of the visit was to review ongoing projects aimed at scientific water usage, modern irrigation technologies, and the conservation of underground water resources.
The delegation’s first stop was at the Tea and High-Value Products Research Centre in Shinkiari, where they were briefed on the functioning of a modern Flux Tower. This advanced technology collects climatic and hydrological data crucial for agricultural research. Officials explained that the Flux Tower helps determine the precise water requirements of different crops, enabling farmers to use irrigation more efficiently while reducing waste.
Later, the group visited a village near Baffa, where a Hydraulic Water Pump system has been installed. Unlike conventional pumps, this system does not require electricity or fuel. Instead, it uses natural water flow to pump water to higher altitudes. Local farmers shared their experiences, describing how the technology has brought a positive change to their daily lives by ensuring a reliable supply of irrigation water without the added burden of high energy costs.
During the tour, IWMI Advisor Engineer Muhammad Naeem and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Lead Engineer Kifayat Zaman briefed the journalists on ongoing and completed initiatives. They highlighted that with the financial support of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), IWMI successfully implemented the Water Resource Accountability Program in four districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The program included geo-tagging of tube wells, allowing authorities to monitor and manage groundwater use more effectively.
The engineers emphasized IWMI’s commitment to preventing groundwater depletion through scientific research, recommending suitable sites for tube well installation, and advising both federal and provincial governments on sustainable water policies.
Journalists on the visit praised IWMI’s efforts, acknowledging that such scientific and technological interventions are crucial to addressing Pakistan’s mounting water crisis. They expressed hope that continued adoption of modern water management practices would help safeguard agricultural productivity, ensure equitable access to water, and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable regions.
