ANNUAL REPORT

2018-2019

Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) Islamabad

ANNUAL REPORT

2018-2019

Published by Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR),

Khayaban-e-Johar, H-8/1, Islamabad Tel: +92-51-9101282-83, Fax: +92-51-9101280

E-mail: pcrwr@isb.comsats.net.pk, Website: www.pcrwr.gov.pk

Compiled and edited by:

Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Malik

Engr. Ali Bahzad Reviewed by:

Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Composed and formatted by:

Mr. Tariq Mahmood

Mr. Zeeshan Munawar

Copyright©2020 Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), Khayaban-e-Johar, H-8/1, Islamabad.

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CONTENTS

Foreword .....................................................................................................................ii

1. About PCRWR ...................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Statutory Functions ........................................................................................ 1

1.2 Research and Development Infrastructure ..................................................... 2

1.3 Focussed Research Areas ............................................................................. 4

1.4 Budgetary Allocation ..................................................................................... 5

1.5 Collaborating Institutions ......................................................................................... 5

1.6 On-Going Projects (PSDP) ............................................................................ 7

1.7 Collaborative Research Projects/Studies ....................................................... 7

1.8 PCRWR Research Studies ............................................................................ 8

2. Regular Activities ................................................................................................. 9

2.1 Meetings//Networking/Collaborative Activities ................................................ 9

2.2 Events/Exhibitions ........................................................................................ 15

2.3 Seminars, Symposia, Workshops, Conferences, etc. .................................. 17

2.4 Participation in the Seminars/Workshops/Trainings ..................................... 22

2.5 Publications ................................................................................................. 23

3. Service Delivery ................................................................................................. 24

3.1 Quarterly Monitoring of Mineral/Bottled Water ............................................. 24

4. On-Going Projects (PSDP) ................................................................................ 26

4.1 Exploration of Groundwater Potential and Promotion of Interventions for Rainwater Harvesting and Biosaline Agriculture in Thar ......................... 26

4.2 Integrated Approach for Control of Waterlogging and Salinity in Low Lying Areas of Sindh .................................................................................... 26

4.3 Improved Land and Water Conservation Practices to Enhance Waste Land Productivity in Thal Desert ....................................................... 27

4.4. Trans-boundary Effects on Ground and Surface Waters along the Eastern Border of Pakistan ......................................................................... 28

5. Collaborative Research .................................................................................... 29

5.1. Collaborative Research Projects/Studies ..................................................... 29

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Foreword

By all indicators, Pakistan is fast becoming a water scarce country. Climate change has further compounded the problem. At this juncture, the country needs to further develop its water resources and manage the existing water resources with proper policy interventions.

The development and management of water resources require a strong knowledge base of the existing resources, its utilization, issues and the promising solutions supported by research and science-based evidence.

Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), being a national research organization has long history of identifying the issues related to water resources development and management, and proposing research-based solutions. For example, it has investigated and mapped the groundwater of the entire Indus Basin. The investigation provides a complete knowledge base of the resources, identifies bright and hot spots in the Basin. This information is very important for the development of any groundwater regulatory framework.

Another unique work done by PCRWR is the determination of crop water requirement (CWR) of the major crops grown in Punjab and Sindh using drainage-type lysimeters. The CWR is very important for devising irrigation scheduling i.e. applying water according to its requirement. Some of the other significant work includes: drinking water quality profile of the entire country, rainwater harvesting in Cholistan and other deserts, introduction of innovative groundwater recharge techniques in Balochistan and in the urban areas, high efficiency irrigation system such as growing rice on beds that can help save tremendous amount of water, use of space technology in the management of water recourse.

Inspite of many achievements, PCRWR has been facing a number of challenges. One of the major challenges is the lack of professional staff as many of the technical staff has been retired or left the organization for seeking better job opportunities. The new staff could not be inducted due to Government’s policies. Moreover, discontinuity of the research activities by some interim management is another big challenge. For example, last year due to change in the management, PCRWR has lost many of its collaborative and public sector projects. Moreover, many of the research and dissemination activities such as publication of reports, newsletters, annual reports etc. were delayed.

This report will provide you an insight into some of the initiatives taken up the Council, training and collaborative activities during the year for the sustainable management of the water resources.

(Dr. Muhammad Ashraf) Chairman

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1. About PCRWR

Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) established under an

act of the Parliament is a national research and development organization,

working under the administrative control of Ministry of Science and Technology.

The Council is headed by a Chairman who manages its administrative, financial

and technical matters. With its Headquarters at Islamabad, it has seven Regional

Offices at Lahore, Bahawalpur, Tandojam, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar and Gilgit

along with 18 district water quality laboratories.

1.1 Statutory Functions

The statutory functions of PCRWR are as under:

Conduct, organize, coordinate and promote research on all aspects of water resources, including irrigation, drainage, reclamation, navigation, drinking water, industrial water, and sewerage management and to set up national centers, wherever necessary.

Advise the government and submit policy recommendations regarding quality, development, management, conservation and utilization of water resources.

Develop and maintain national water resources database, for use by the planning, implementing agencies and public.

Design, develop and evaluate water conservation technologies for irrigation, drinking and industrial water.

Commercialize its research and development results by the sale of products, patents and services.

Undertake contractual research and provide consultancy services to the private and public sector.

Establish liaison and collaborate with other related national and international research and development organizations, universities and NGOs.

Publish scientific papers, reports and periodicals, and arrange seminars, training workshops and conferences on water- related issues.

Initiate national water quality monitoring programme, in the urban and rural areas of Pakistan and develop technologies for providing safe drinking water to the public.

Conduct and coordinate research or desertification, drought and flood mitigation.

Provide financial and technical support to universities and research institutions for collaborative research projects and fellowships.

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Design and develop water related technologies and items of utility for various users according to market demand and undertake design and development projects on contract.

Undertake human resources development, through training skills related to the specialized functions of the Council.

1.2 Research and Development Infrastructure

1.2.1 Research and Demonstration Farms

PCRWR maintains several research and development farms in different

agroclimatic zones such as Tando Jam (22 acres), Mithi, Tharparkar (200 acres);

Sial Mor Sargodha (21 acres), Dingarh Cholistan (500 acres), Mera Kachori

Peshawar (12 acres) and Saryab Road Quetta (8 acres).The purpose of the

research and demonstration farms is to generate knowledge through applied

research and demonstrate and disseminate the results to the stakeholders. Each

of the farms has the related mechanization equipment and meteorological

observatories. The research farm at Tando Jam, Quetta and Peshawar have

drainage type lysimeters which are state of the art laboratories for determining

crop water requirements, soil-water-plant relationships etc.

Location of PCRWR Research farms in the country

1.2.2 Water Quality Laboratories

PCRWR has a network of 24 water quality laboratories of which National Water

Laboratory (NWQL) at Headquarters Islamabad is ISO 17025 accredited. It has

facilities for carrying out more than hundred water quality parameters.

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1.2.3 National Capacity Building Institute

PCRWR with the support of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)

established a National Capacity Building Institute for Water Management at Head

Quarters, Sector H-8/1, Islamabad. The institute is furnished with state-of-the

equipment for water, three lecture halls duly equipped with audio video learning

facilities, IT laboratory having 24 desktop PCs, auditorium with seating capacity of

more than 100 participants, boarding facility for trainees and well-furnished

cafeteria. It will produce certificate and diploma holder professionals for

addressing water resources planning, development, management, conservation

and quality issues.

Exterior view of the building of Nation Capacity Building Institute at PCRWR

1.2.4 Commercialization and Innovation Cell

Research and development provide a roadway for the industries to keep pace with

technological developments for addressing emerging issues and challenges.

Commercialization of research and development provide resources for financial

sustainability of the organization. PCRWR has established Commercialization and

Innovation Cell (CIC) for that purpose. The Cell is testing and manufacturing

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various products such as tensiomenters, water-level indicators, microbiological

testing and kits, chlorine tablets etc.

1.3 Focussed Research Areas

1.3.1 Water Management

Pakistan has one of the largest contiguous irrigation systems in the world,

irrigating an area of about 17 Mha. Therefore, agriculture is major user of water

where more than 93% water is used. This is the sector where maximimum losses

occur. Therefore, small saving in water at the farm level will translate huge water

saving at the basin level. Groundwater provides over 60% water for agriculture,

more than 90% water for domestic and almost 100% water for industrial sectors.

Its sustainable management is crucial for the food security of the country. The

major research areas include:

Groundwater mapping, investigation and monitoring;

Drainage and land reclamation;

Biosaline agriculture and consumptive use of water;

Rainwater harvesting, storage and conservation;

Determination of soil physical and hydraulic properties;

Determining river flow regimes and river morphology;

Artificial groundwater recharge and aquifer replenishing;

Crop water requirements under different agro-climatic zones;

Irrigation scheduling and best management practices;

Hydrological modelling and Geographical information System (GIS);

Monitoring soil salinity and soil moisture content;

Testing, evaluation and promotion of the usage of gadgets for soil and water management;

Capacity building of farmer, agricultural service providers and professionals for adoption of best management practices.

1.3.2 Desertification Control/Dryland Agriculture

About 40% (12 Mha) of the culturable land of the country is dryland where

livilehood totally depends on rainwater. About 11% of the land resources of the

country are deserts which are habitat of livestock contributing about half of the

GDP of agriculture sector. The major problem of the deserts is saline groundwater,

scanty rainfall and water scarcity, shifting sand-dunes, low carrying capacity and

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overgrazing. PCRWR has established research stations in all the deserts of the

country for addressing the aforementioned issues. The activities include:

Rainwater harvesting, storage and efficient utilization for multiple purposes;

Segregation and promotion of indigenous viable species for rangeland management and grassland development;

Biosaline agriculture (shurbs, wood trees, horticulture, grasses, etc.)

Sand dunes stabilization and afforestation.

1.3.3 Water Quality

Quality of water plays an important role for determining its suiatibilty for drinking,

agriculture, industry and ecosystem services. As such, it is one of the major public

concern. Therefore, all national policies such as National Drinking Water Policy,

National Water Policy, National Envoirment Protection Policy, Pakistan Vision

2025 and international commitments such as Sustainable Development Goal 6.0

has placed great emphasis on it. Monitoring of water quality therefore, is a fisrt

step towards it management. PCRWR activities related to water quality include:

Monitoring water quality of surface, subsurface, wastewater, etc;

Provision of water quality testing services to public and private sectors;

Development of cost effective water testing and treatment technologies; and

Quarterly monitoring of bottled water quality.

1.4 Budgetary Allocation

(Rs. in Million)

Fiscal Year 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19

Non-Development 166.57 195.79 228.21 284.83 306.00 349.00

Development 125.44 92.50 60.00 46.89 32.66 34.56

1.5 Collaborating Institutions

Water resources development and management issues in the country are

becoming complex. These issues cannot be addressed in an isolation. All

research and development activities of PCRWR are collaborative in nature and

are being conducted in partnership with national and international organizations.

Some of the organizations are listed below:

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National

Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI)

Capital Development Authority (CDA)

Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering (CEWRE)

Cholistan Development Authority (CDA)

COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT)

Federal Flood Commission (FFC)

Indus River System Authority (IRSA)

Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET)

National University of Science and Technology (NUST)

Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC)

Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH)

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD)

Provincial Irrigation and Power Departments (PIDs)

Provincial On-Farm Water Management (OFWM) Departments

Riphah International University

Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA)

Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASAs)

International

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO)

Inter-Islamic Network on Water Res. Devel. and Management (INWRDAM)

International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA)

International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)

UNESCO, International Hydrological Programme (IHP)

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO)

United Nations University (UNU)

University of Washington

World Health Organization (WHO)

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Water and Wastewater Research Institute, University of Aachen, Germany

International Center for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM)

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

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1.6 On-Going Projects (PSDP)

Sr. # Title of the Project Duration

1. Exploration of Groundwater Potential and Promotion of Interventions for Rainwater Harvesting and Biosaline Agriculture in Thar

2017-20

2. Improved Land and Water Conservation Practices to Enhance Waste Land Productivity in Thal Desert

2017-21

3. Trans-boundary Effects on Ground and Surface Waters along the Eastern Border of Pakistan

2017-20

4. Integrated Approach for Control of Water-logging and Salinity in low laying Areas of Sindh

2017-20

1.7 Collaborative Research Projects/Studies

Sr. # Title of the Project Funded by Duration

1.

Agricultural Water, Energy and Hazard Management in the Upper Indus Basin for Improved Livelihood and Building Resilience, Gilgit, Pakistan

ICIMOD/ WWF

2016-19

2. Improving Groundwater Management to Enhance Agriculture and Farming Livelihoods in Pakistan

ACIAR 2016-20

3. Developing-Approaches to Enhance Farmer Water Management Skills in Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh

ACIAR 2016-20

4. Adaption Strategies to Cope with Climate Change Impacts on Pakistan’s Water Resources

GCSIC 2018

5. Water Quality Monitoring under National Nutrition Survey, 2018

UNICEF 2018-19

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1.8 PCRWR Research Studies

Sr. # Title of the Study Station Duration

1. Evaluation of Water Productivity of Wheat & Rice Crops on Bed plantation

Lahore 2014-19

2. Water Requirement in Wheat – Rice Cropping System PCRWR

2018-21

3. Determination of Consumptive Use of Water for Cotton and Wheat Crops under Different Water table Depths

Tandojam

2017-20

4.

Evaluation of Sprinkler and Conventional Irrigation Systems on the Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Chickpeas and Sesame Crops

2017-20

5. Sowing of Wheat and Cotton under Different Irrigation Methods

2017-20

6. Growing of Banana on Beds 2016-20

7. Wheat and Cotton on Beds under Different Soil Moisture Depletion Levels

2017-20

8. Prospects of Growing Fruit Trees in Desert Environment

Bahawalpur

2015-20

9.

Effect of Conjunctive Use of Saline Groundwater and Fresh Rainwater on Growth of Fruit, Medicinal and Fuel Plants in Cholistan Desert

2016-19

10. Evaluation of Water Saving Techniques in Peshawar Valley

Peshawar 2018-21

11. Determination of Fruit Water Requirement in Balochistan

Quetta 2017-20

12. Water Quality Monitoring of Surface Water Bodies of Pakistan

Islamabad 2017-19

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2. Regular Activities

2.1 Meetings//Networking/Collaborative Activities

2.1.1 Participation in policy round table discussion held in Multan

Australian High Commission to Pakistan organized a policy round table in Multan

on 15th July 2018. The title of the dialogue was, “National Water Policy and its

implications on Southern Punjab”. PCRWR team also participated in the rountable.

2.1.2 Review meeting with groundwater technical teams of Sindh and

Balochistan

A review meeting with groundwater technical teams of Sindh (MUET, SID; NED,

UET) and Balochistan (BUITEMS and Balochistan Irrigation Department) was

organized on August 27 and 31 to review the progress and development of

provincial groundwater models at PCRWR HQ, under project “Improving

groundwater management to enhance agriculture and farming livelihood in

Pakistan”.

2.1.3 FAO delegate visited PCRWR and held meeting with Director General (R&C) on 11 September 2018

A meeting of two-member delegation of FAO, Pakistan with Dr. Muhammad

Ashraf (DG R&C) was held on 11 September, 2018 regarding the research project

being initiated in Chitral.

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2.1.4 Participation in annual planning and review meeting of ACIAR Projects

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) organized an

Annual Planning and Review Meeting of the projects under implementation in

Pakistan on 9-13 September 2018 at Faisalabad. PCRWR being leading partner

of two projects titled “Developing Approaches to Enhance Farmers Water

Management Skills in Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh in Pakistan” and “Improving

Ground Water Management to Enhance Agriculture & Farming Livelihoods in

Pakistan” also participated. Progress of the projects was reviewed and further

collaboration opportunities were explored.

2.1.5 ACIAR Review meeting on Impact Pathway and Stakeholders Analysis

A review of Impact Pathway and Stakeholder Analysis was organized by ACIAR

on 12 September 2018 in Serena Hotel Faisalabad. All the project Partners shared

their knowledge regarding the impact pathways. The Australian Trainers

conducted interactive group sessions leading towards development of Impact

Pathways and Stakeholder Analysis for each project.

Participation in Annual Planning and Review Meeting of ACIAR at Faisalabad

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2.1.6 PCRWR participation in ACIAR Poster Competition

ACIAR arranged Poster Competition for its nine projects under implementation in

Pakistan over the Annual Review and Planning held on 12th September 2018 at

Faisalabad. PCRWR secured top two positions for both of its projects.

PCRWR Participation in Poster Competition organized by ACIAR at Faisalabad

2.1.7 Meeting of ACIAR Project Team Leader with Chairman PCRWR

A meeting of ACIAR project Team Leader, Dr. Sandra Henry Mustafa, was held to

discuss project matters with Chairman, PCRWR on 19 September 2018 at

PCRWR Headquarters, Islamabad.

Participation in Impact Pathway and Stakeholders Analysis organized by ACIAR

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Meeting of ACIAR Project Team Leader with Chairman PCRWR at Islamabad

2.1.8 ACIAR Project Team met Chairman PCRWR

A meeting of the Australian team of ACIAR project “Improving Groundwater

Management to Enhance Agriculture and Farming Livelihood in Pakistan” was

held with the Chairman, PCRWR in his office on 27th August 2018.

2.1.9 PCRWR-ACIAR Mid Term Review of Projects- Faisalabad November, 2018

PCRWR project team participated in Mid-Term Review Meeting of Project in

Faisalabad on 21-23 November, 2018 organized by ACIAR involving two external

reviewers. University of Canberra (UC), PCRWR, Social Science Research

Institute (SSRI) and Society of Facilitators and Trainers (SOFT) participated and

carried the following activities:

Project presentations by all partners

Posters display highlighting project strategies and activities

Playing of documentary on Project and Farmer interviews

Panel discussions conducted by reviewers with farmers and facilitators

Joint visit of the participants to the field villages in Sargodha.

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Participants of the PCRWR-ACIAR mid-term review meeting at Faisalabad

2.1.10 Focus Group Discussions with farmers

The ACIAR project lead, Dr Sandra Heaney Mustafa along with PCRWR team

conducted focus group discussions with farmers in various villages of districts

Bahawalpur, Jamshoro, Tando Allah Yara and Nawabsha over the months of

November-December 2018 under the project “Developing-Approaches to Enhance

Farmer Water Management Skills in Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh”. It was

focused about various activities of the project being performed and farmers

feedback.

Glimpses of focus group discussion with farmers in Sindh and Punjab

2.1.11 Horticulture Expo

Horticulture Expo was organized at Expo Center, Lahore on 21-22 January, 2019

by the Government of Punjab. PCRWR participated as the National Lead of the

ACIAR project “Developing approaches to enhance farmer water management

skills in Punjab Sindh and Baluchistan LWR- 074” and showcased its work along

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with water and nutrient management tools. Many people visited and showed

interest in the outcomes of the project.

PCRWR stall at the Horticulture Expo-2019

2.1.13 Visit of Sinosteel Equipment & Engineering Co. to PCRWR

General Manager Sinosteel Equipment & Engineering Co., Ltd. China, Mr. Li

Longgang, visited PCRWR on 30th April, 2019 and held a meeting with Chairman

PCRWR. The company has the expertise on Intelligent Irrigation System. It was

agreed in the meeting that the company will initially install demonstration units at

PCRWR R&D Farms leading to exploring technology transfer prospects.

2.1.14 Visit of ICIMOD delegation to PCRWR

A 3-member ICIMOD delegation comprising Dr. Ghulam Rasul, Dr. Abdul Wahid

Jasra, and Mr. Farid visited PCRWR on 13th June 2019 and explored future

prospects of collaboration with PCRWR. The delegation agreed to continue

existing program of collaboration with PCRWR for mountainous development.

Visit of ICIMOD delegation to PCRWR

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2.1.15 Ambassador of Korea with DG and Deputy DG (KOICA) visited PCRWR

A Korean delegation headed by Ambassador of Korea visited PCRWR on 18th

June 2019 and met with Chairman PCRWR. The delegation expressed its

satisfaction on PCRWR efforts in initiating the diploma/certificate courses at NCBI

as well as showed its keen interest and support in further strengthening of NCBI.

Visit of Korean Delegation to PCRWR

2.1.16 Visit of NUTECH Rector to PCRWR

A delegation of NUTECH headed by its Rector visited PCRWR and the newly

established NCBI on 17th June 2019. The delegation offered to register diploma of

NCBI under NUTECH.

2.2 Events/Exhibitions

2.2.1 World Water Day, 2019

The World Water Day 2019 was jointly organized by ACIAR, University of

Canberra, CSIRO, PCRWR, PARC and SOFT on 27-28 March in Karachi. The

title of the event was “Recognize the efforts of small farmers in meeting water

crises”. Speaking on the occasion Australian High Commissioner for Pakistan,

H.E. Margaret Adamson, assured full support of Australia for Agriculture and

Water Resources Management in Pakistan. The provincial Minister for Agriculture,

Mr. Muhammad Ismail Rahu, emphasized on introduction of innovative

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technologies for water conservation in agriculture. The Secretary Agriculture,

Government of Sindh and the Chairman PARC, also addressed the participants.

The event activities included case studies, posters, presentations, farmers

knowledge sharing and prize distribution to the users of Chameleon sensor for

water conservation.

Participants of World Water Day 2019

Australian Ambassador addressing the participants of World Water Day 2019

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2.3 Seminars, Symposia, Workshops, Conferences, etc.

2.3.1 Refresher Training of Facilitators at Sargodha under ACIAR project

A four-day refresher training for new team of facilitators of new project sites of

Punjab province was conducted at Sargodha on 5-8 July, 2018 under ACIAR

project “Developing Approaches to Enhance Farmer Water Management Skills in

Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh in Pakistan”.

2.3.2 Capacity Building Workshop on Technical Writing under ACIAR

project

PCRWR arranged a three-day capacity building workshop on technical writing on

August 28-30, 2018 at its headquarters, Islamabad. The purpose was to build

capacity of the partner organizations. About 30 professionals from 10 partner

organizations including ICARDA, PID, UAF, UAAR, SID, SAU, NED-UET, MUET,

BID, BUITEMS and PCRWR attended the training.

Inaugural Session of the Workshop on Technical Writing

2.3.2 Stakeholders Forum Workshop under the ACIAR-Project in Sargodha

A Stakeholders Forum Workshop under the ACIAR-Project “Developing

Approaches to Enhance Farmer Water Management Skills in Balochistan, Punjab

and Sindh in Pakistan” was organized on 27th April, 2019 in district Sargodha,

inviting representatives of On-farm Water Management, irrigation, farmers and

local development organizations. It was a cost-effective effort to establish effective

network of stakeholders within the project. The participants were eager to continue

such forums including more relevant specialists in the field of agriculture.

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Women’s participation and speaking at the forum was a greater motivation for

project team to invite more females and provide them with a forum to share their

experiences and enhance the gender dimension in the project.

Participants of Stakeholders Forum Workshop at Sargodha

2.3.3 Third Stakeholders Forum Workshop

Third round of Stakeholders Training Workshop under ACIAR project was

arranged at Malwa Distributary Sahiwal on April 8, at Chiho Distributary Sindh on

April 9 and at 11-L Distributary, Sahiwal on April 15. Dr Jehanghir managed a

Focused Workshop with Sindh project Partners (SID, MUET, NED-UET) for the

development of Sindh Model from April 1-6, 2019.

Participants of the workshop

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2.3.4 Training Workshop on Groundwater Modelling at PCRWR Regional Office, Lahore

A four-day training workshop on Groundwater modelling was arranged on

September 04-07, 2018 at PCRWR Regional Office, Lahore under ACIAR project

“Improving Groundwater Management to Enhance Agriculture and Farming

Livelihood in Pakistan”. The purpose was to enhance the capacity of Punjab

irrigation department and UAF team to develop provincial GW models. About 18

professionals participated.

Participants attending the training workshop

2.3.5 Team Building Workshop and Mid-Term Review Planning under

ACIAR Project

Team building workshop and Mid-Term Review planning meeting was held on 13th

September, 2018 in Serena Hotel Faisalabad by the Project Leader Dr Sandra

Heaney-Mustafa for the Pakistani partners under project “Developing Approaches

to Enhance Farmers Water Management Skills in Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh

in Pakistan”. The project team of PCRWR, Social Science Research Institute

(SSRI) and Society of Facilitators and Trainers (SOFT) participated in the

workshop.

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2.3.6 Workshop on “Rainwater Harvesting for Irrigation and Groundwater Recharge”

PCRWR organized a one-day training workshop titled, “Rainwater Harvesting for

Irrigation and Groundwater recharge” on September 26, 2018 at PCRWR HQ

Islamabad. More than 60 community workers of Behbud Association participated

in the training.

Training on Rainwater Harvesting and Groundwater Recharge at PCRWR Islamabad

2.3.7 Two days field training of ADCP for Flow measurement at Sukkur

PCRWR and IWMI organized a two-days training on Acoustic Doppler Current

Profiler (ADCP) technique of flow measurement for the professionals of Sindh

Irrigation Department (SID) at Sukkur on October 9-10, 2018. More than 15

professionals of SID participated.

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ADCP training at Kirther Canal Sukkur

2.3.8 Workshop on “Indus Telemetry- Delivering on National Water Policy” Islamabad

PCRWR in collaboration with IWMI organized a Dialogue Workshop on “Indus

Telemetry- Delivering on National Water Policy”. PCRWR and IWMI are jointly

undertaking a project for the monitoring of 04 main canals in 04 provinces of

Pakistan through GSM based telemetry system. The event was attended by IRSA

members, FFC, Federal Water Management Cell and other stakeholders.

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2.3.9 ADCP training to the professionals of Irrigation Department (PID),

Lahore

PCRWR and IWMI jointly imparted two days training on usage of ADCP for

measurement flow to the professionals of Punjab Irrigation Department (PID) at

Lahore on October 25-26, 2018. About 12 relevant professionals of PID and

PCRWR participated.

ADCP training - class room lectures and field demonstration at Lower Bari Canal

2.4 Participation in the Seminars/Workshops/Trainings

Participation in the international and international seminars, workshops and traing

is very important for professional development, sharing knowledge, partnership

development and networking. PCRWR professionals participated in 4 international

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and 12 national professional events organized by international and national

organizations wirking in the water sector.

2.5 Publications

Knowledge generation and its dissemination is the key component of PCRWR

manadate. Various modes of dissemination are being used such as organizing

workshop, seminar, trainings, farmer days, news letters, annula reports, Facebook

and Website. Reseach publications are one of the most important dissemination

materials. These take a lot of time for planning, implementation, data collection,

data analysis and interpretation, compilation and printing. However, these are the

most reliable source of information for the academia, profesionals, planners,

practitioners and the policy makers and are also used as reference matrial.

2.5.1 Research Reports

Water Requirement of Major Crops in the Central Punjab by Zamir A. Soomro, M. Ashraf, K. Ejaz and A.Z. Zeeshan Bhatti. Islamabad: PCRWR, 2018. 44p.

Water Quality Assessment Report Mingora City District Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, by S. Imran, L.N. Bukhari and S. Gul. PCRWR, 2018. 40p.

2.5.2 PCRWR Annual Report

Published Annual Report 2017-18

2.5.3 PCRWR Newsletters (Quarterly)

Vol.35, No.3, July-September, 2018

Vol.35, No.4, October-December, 2018

Vol.36, No.1& 2, January-June, 2019

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3. Service Delivery

The upscaling of the developed technologies and service delivery are very

important for professional and financial sustainability of the R&D organizations.

The Council has provided a number of services and products within it domain.

Some of them are given below:

Carried out research and demonstration to end users through seven research farms and pilot sites throughout the country.

Enhanced capacity building of 200 staff of water supply agencies and professionals.

Provided groundwater investigation services to 30 clients.

Provided weekly irrigation advisory services to 20,000 farmers through text messages.

Fabricated and distributed about 20,000 microbiological testing kits.

3.1 Quarterly Monitoring of Mineral/Bottled Water

Federal government has assigned PCRWR the task to carry out quarterly

monitoring of bottled/mineral water brands and publicize the results. PCRWR

regularly collects the bottled water brands commonly available in the market. After

analyzing in the Laboratory, the results are disseminated through electronic and

print media. Reports are also shared with the Chief Secretaries of the Provinces

including AJK and Gilgit Baltistan, DG, Pakistan Standard Quality Control

Authority (PSQCA), Chief Commissioner Islamabad for taking necessary action

against those brands selling contaminated water.

Quarterly Monitoring Report July-September, 2018: For the quarter July to September 2018, 118 brands of bottled were collected from 11 major cities of the country and were analyzed at National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) of PCRWR as per PSQCA Standards. Out of the collected brands, nine were unfit for drinking. Out of those nine, one was having high Arsenic. Three brands were unsafe due to microbiological contamination having multiple health implications. The other unsafe brands were having excessive levels of either sodium, or fluoride and total coliforms.

Quarterly Monitoring Report October-December, 2018: During the quarter, 78 samples were collected and analyzed. Six out of the collected brands were unfit for drinking. Of the unfit brands, three were having high levels of sodium. Two brands were unsafe due to bacteriological contamination. The remaining one was unsafe due to inadmissible pH.

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Quarterly Monitoring Report January-March, 2019: During the quarter January-March, 2019, 48 samples were collected from 5 major cities (Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Bahawalpur and Sialkot). All the collected samples were found fit for human consumption.

Quarterly Monitoring Report April-June, 2019: Seventy-seven samples were collected from 9 major cities. Four brands were found unfit for drinking. Of the unfit brands, two have high levels of sodium. The remaining two fall out of the admissible pH range.

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4. On-Going Projects (PSDP)

4.1 Exploration of Groundwater Potential and Promotion of Interventions for Rainwater Harvesting and Biosaline Agriculture in Thar

4.1.1 Background

Tharparkar is one of the major deserts of Pakistan having population of 1.5 million.

Water in the Thar is scare as annual rainfall varies from 150 to 300 mm. The

rainfall data of the past twenty-eight years (1981 to 2008) measured at Chhor

demonstrates that average rainfall during the last 28 years is 213 mm. It also

supports rangelands to sprout seasonal grasses for livestock - a major source of

livelihood in the desert. The groundwater is mostly saline with scattered pockets of

freshwater, which can be used by applying appropriate methodologies. The

introduction of saline agriculture in such saline areas may help improve

agriculture by growing salt tolerant crops.

4.1.2 Objectives

The specific objectives of the project are:

i. To identify fresh groundwater pockets in the Thar area using geophysical methods;

ii. To develop and modify existing rainwater harvesting techniques for domestic, agricultural and rangeland purposes; and

iii. To develop and promote bio-saline agriculture to improve livelihood of the inhabitants.

4.1.3 Achievements

Electrical Resistivity Survey up to 300 ft depth completed on 600 sites and groundwater mapping in progress.

One solar system installed at R& D center, Mithi.

Two rainwater harvesting ponds constructed in Thar.

4.2 Integrated Approach for Control of Waterlogging and Salinity in Low Lying Areas of Sindh

4.2.1 Background

Waterlogging and salinity are two major issues of Pakistan, especially in the lower

Indus Basin. PCRWR is pioneer in the instlattion of tile drainage system in

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Pakistan. Under this project the concept of on-farm tile drainage has been intruded

alongwith solar pumping to control waterlogging and salinity.

4.2.2 Objectives

i. To popularize an integrated drainage and water management concept among land owners to control water table and reclaim saline lands;

ii. To develop research and demonstration tile drainage units at 2 sites of 100 acres each under different soil conditions with farmers participation;

iii. To reuse the drainage effluent by blending fresh canal water to reduce disposal problems; and

iv. To reclaim saline and saline-sodic soils by using different amendments.

4.2.3 Achievements

Installation of tile drainage system at Qadeer fruits Farm (about 120 acres),

Shahdadpur, District Sanghar has been completed

4.3 Improved Land and Water Conservation Practices to Enhance Waste Land Productivity in Thal Desert

4.3.1 Background

Thal desert covers mostly undulating lands having 200-500 mm rainfall. However,

it has huge ground resources for irrigating around 2 million acres of land for

enhancing productivity. This project was conceived to demonstrate a package of

water management technologies to utilize the precious water resources using

participatory approach.

4.3.2 Objectives

The objectives are:

i. To identify the water and agriculture related issues and problems in Thal Doab and develop management strategy to enhance land and water productivity;

ii. To implement improved measures for controlling wind erosion, harvesting rainwater and developing groundwater using improved techniques on farmers’ fields; and

iii. To demonstrate and disseminate improved technologies to stakeholders for their wide-scale adoption.

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4.3.3 Achievements

The high efficiency systems with solar pumpimg have been installed at the four

sites and post project data collection is in progress..

4.4. Trans-boundary Effects on Ground and Surface Waters along the Eastern Border of Pakistan

4.4.1 Background

Investigation, mapping and monitoring of groundwater is a first step for

groundwater management. PCRWR completed groundwater investigation and

mapping of the Upper and Lower Indus Basin. However, the area along the

eastern border was left out. The project intends to complete the groundwater

mapping in the districts along the eater border and establish a monitoring network.

4.4.2 Objectives

I. To study groundwater flow pattern and characteristics along Pakistan - India border.

II. To study the spatial and temporal effects of Hudiara drain on surface water, groundwater, human health and the environment in Pakistan's territory at critical locations.

4.4.3 Achievements

During the year, completed electrical resistivity survey at 53 locations, compiled

data for groundwater mapping of the year and collected as well as analyzed 193

wastewater, 1128 groundwater and 1041soil samples.

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5. Collaborative Research

5.1. Collaborative Research Projects/Studies

5.1.1 Agricultural Water, Energy, and Hazard Management in the Upper Indus Basin for Improved Livelihood and Building Resilience, Gilgit-Baltistan (Phase-II)

The Upper Indus basin (UIB) is the mother well of all the water resourecs of

Pakistan. However, it is subject to a number of antropogenic and nautral clamities

such as glacier melting, soil erosion, poor land and water productivity etc. The

project was designed to improve livelihood of UIB communities through enhancing

local capacity in understanding, managing and demonstrating state of the art

climate smart water, energy and hazard management technological options at the

pilot sites. PCRWR implemented a project in collaboration with WWF (World Wide

Fund for Nature), KIU (Karakoram International University), MARC (Mountain Area

Research Centre). The major component included climate smart, cost effective

and energy efficient water management to promote high value agriculture. The

activities include: water pumping, micro drip irrigation systems and sustainable

water supply solutions. A headwater structure was also constructed with the

community participation to route glacial water to Zarabad community for micro-

irrigation network of orchards.

Field interventions for water, energy and Hazard management in UIB

5.1.2 Improving Groundwater Management to Enhance Agriculture and Farming Livelihood in Pakistan

This study was initiated with the objective to develop and propagate shared

understanding of sustainable usage and improved management of groundwater in

Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh. During the year, hydro-geological (aquifer

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properties), meteorological, soil, groundwater pumping data and surface water

(rivers/canal discharges) data were collected. Data loggers have been installed in

the area of Okara and Sahiwal districts for monitoring of water table, electrical

conductivity and temperature. Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) has been

conducted at villages of Lower Bari Doab Canal Command in Okara district, eight

villages in Naushero feroz and Benazirabad districts and five villages in Pishin and

Quetta districts.

5.1.3 Developing Approaches to Enhance Farmer Water Management Skills in Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh in Pakistan

Farmers are the major users of water for irrigation. The study was started with the

objectives to determine the successful elements of existing on-farm irrigation

water management initiatives and farmer training models in Pakistan; develop and

test farmer tools for on-farm soil water, nutrient-monitoring and supply chains.

Twenty one chameleon moisture sensors have been installed at 3 pilot sites in

Bahawalpur, 27 sites in Sargodha, 21 sites in Tandojam, and 3 in Quetta valley.

Tensiometers have been installed at 3 sites for evaluating performance and

adaptability of the conventional and the modern gadgets. Several field days were

arranged for the training of the farmers in the use of sensors.

5.1.4 Adaption Strategies to Cope with Climate Change Impacts on Pakistan’s Water Resources

Climate change is an accepted reality and climate change resilience and

adaptation demands revisiting cropping pattern and water allowance. The study

was conducted with the major objective to cope with the reducing water availability

due to climate change in the Indus Basin through changes in cropping pattern and

to re-allocate the water allowance accordingly. In this regard, the policy papers

were drafted and shared with the GCISC.

5.1.5 Water Quality Monitoring under National Nutrition Survey, 2018

Water quality is the major threat to human health and have direct and indirect

implications of malnutrition. The main objective of the study was to carry out

quality monitoring of 15000 drinking water sources at household level. The

objective was to analyze water quality associated nutritional implications on the

health of vulnerable population for carrying out targeted interventions to boost the

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public health and especially of young women and children. The study also

highlights the issues towards taking balanced and nutritious food and resultant

health status.

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Some Glimpses of Regular Activities at the R&D Farms

Growing of citrus on micro catchments and low-pressure drip irrigation system

Spineless cactus growing the Dingarh, Cholistan

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Wheat trial under mini lysimeters at DRIP Tandojam

Growing of rice on beds at the R&D farm Sialmore

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