30,000 Illegal Wells Drain Quetta's Future

Quetta is grappling with a worsening water crisis, leaving even established neighborhoods without a reliable public water supply. Many residents, like those on Jamiat Rai Street, now depend on costly private water tankers as a permanent solution.

The excessive use of over 30,000 illegal tube wells, alongside weak public systems, has severely depleted the region's groundwater. Groundwater levels are dropping by two to five meters annually, with the water table falling from 50 meters in 2000 to over 150 meters by 2023.

Officials have warned of an impending water emergency, but citizens report years of unaddressed complaints to elected representatives. Although some areas have seen temporary relief from newly installed tube wells, the supply remains inconsistent, with many areas receiving water only once a week.

The judiciary has intervened, with the Balochistan High Court expressing disappointment over administrative negligence and ordering immediate action. Concerns have also been raised about a private water mafia illegally selling water through pipelines.

Experts warn that Quetta's continued reliance on groundwater is unsustainable, likening it to a bank account with only withdrawals. Without strict regulation, conservation efforts like rainwater harvesting, and a shift away from groundwater dependence, the city faces water exhaustion.