KARACHI: In a major move to tackle the city’s water crisis, the Local Government Department has formally requested the Chief Minister of Sindh to take up the matter of increasing Karachi’s water quota from the Hub Dam with the Federal Government. The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) has submitted a detailed summary to CM Sindh, seeking an increase in supply from 100 million gallons per day (MGD) to 200 MGD.
Key Highlights of the Summary: Karachi has been receiving only 100 MGD from the Hub Dam since 1981, despite the city’s water demand increasing fivefold over the last four decades. The Sindh government has already completed the New Hub Canal, which has the technical capacity to transport 200 MGD to the city. WAPDA has clarified that altering water quotas falls outside its jurisdiction. Since the Hub Dam involves both Sindh and Balochistan, the matter is considered inter-provincial and must be decided by the Council of Common Interests (CCI). The Secretary of Local Government has recommended that the CM raise this issue at the federal level and within the CCI to secure formal approval for the additional 100 MGD.
The Way Forward According to officials, the completion of the Hub Canal on August 13 means the infrastructure is ready to handle double the current volume immediately. Sources indicate that the Chief Minister is expected to move the case to the CCI soon to ensure Karachiites get their rightful share of water to meet the growing urban demand.
