Peshawar (Khyber Mail): The U.S. Consul General in Peshawar Mr. Shante Moore, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Muhammad Sajjad inaugurated a workshop titled Groundwater Potential and Recharge Estimation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The event, organized under the USAID-funded Water Management for Enhanced Productivity Activity (WMfEP), brought together Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government officials, U.S. government officials, and local experts to discuss innovative water management strategies.
U.S. Consul General Moore emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “By sustainably managing water resources, we are building resilience against the challenges of droughts, erratic weather patterns, and increasing water scarcity. These efforts will not only improve lives today, but also secure a better future for generations to come.”
Dr. Azeem Ali Shah, Chief of Party for the USAID WMfEP activity, underscored their use of advanced technologies—like remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS)—to identify groundwater potential. This data is essential for informed water resource management, especially given the impact of climate change.
Groundwater is a vital resource in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially in regions where surface water is scarce. Yet limited data exists on groundwater quantity, quality, and its management in the province.
The workshop also highlighted USAID’s support to successfully implement the agriculture development component of the Gomal Zam Dam project, modernizing canal flow measurement through the Indus Telemetry System, and aiding the implementation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Water Act 2020.
This collaboration between the United States and Pakistan underscores their shared dedication to sustainable development and the well-being of communities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.