Impact evaluation of a karez irrigation scheme in Balochistan-Pakistan: Issues and options

In balochistan,karezes are one of the oldest irrigation systems. however,these are vanishing due to a number of technical,socio-economic reasons. a study was undertaken on a representative irrigation scheme of dilsora to document its impact on the socio-economic conditions of the local community,present issues and to propose remedial measures. a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect primary information from the farmers regarding impact of the scheme,constraints faced by the farmers and suggestions for its improvement. flow was measured with a pigmy type digital current meter at the head and tail reaches to determine the discharge and conveyance losses in the karez channel. the analysis of the survey revealed that the implementation of the scheme had a positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the local community by (i) increasing the volume of water,irrigated area,crop yields and farm income,(ii) reducing the maintenance (both in terms of physical and financial liabilities),dispute over water,drudgery on women,and (iii) reducing the soil erosion. the main issues identified are (i) deferred repair and maintenance of the irrigation system,(ii) deterioration of water quality during conveyance,(iii) non-functional water user association,(iv) lack of watershed management activities,and (vi) irrational installation of tubewells in the vicinity of the karez. the karez system is unique in the world and provides water free of cost to the local community round the clock and throughout the year. it must,therefore,be sustained by regularly cleaning and protecting it from floods. the scheme is also a source of drinking water for the local community. therefore,its maintenance is not only important for irrigation point of view but also for providing clean drinking water to the community,but carrying out watershed management and artificial recharge activities in the karez recharging zones,and controlling the irrational installation of tubewells,particularly within the karez recharging zones. © 2016,university of agriculture. all rights reserved.