Muhammad Zamir Assadi
In the evolving global landscape, the bilateral collaboration between Pakistan and China has progressed into important partnership that holds great potential for both nations, particularly in terms of economic and infrastructural development. One of the areas in which Pakistan could meaningfully get advantage is from China’s extensive experience in canal structure and water management. China’s approach to water infrastructure, especially its ambitious Canal Civilization Initiative, provides several valuable lessons that Pakistan can adopt to tackle its water management challenges, improve irrigation systems, and foster sustainable economic growth.
Water has always been the cornerstone of human civilization, and both China and Pakistan are well aware of its importance. China’s fruitful management of its water resources, particularly its canal systems, has played an important role in sustaining its agricultural productionon, supporting its growing population, and powering industrial growth. As Pakistan faces challenges linked to water scarcity, inefficient irrigation systems, and a growing demand for water in agriculture, learning from China’s achievements in canal management could be pivotal.
Pakistan’s irrigation system, mainly the Indus Basin, is one of the largest and most multifaceted in the world. However, over the years, it has become inefficient due to outdated infrastructure, climate change and water wastage. A lack of proper water conservation strategies and the increasing demand for water for industrial, domestic, and agricultural use has made it clear that a more sustainable approach to water management is important. China’s experience in implementing modern and efficient canal systems can offer Pakistan a blueprint for overcoming these challenges.
China’s Canal Civilization Initiative is an ambitious project focused on the development and expansion of canal systems across the country, with an emphasis on improving irrigation, water management, flood control, and sustainable agricultural practices. A key component of the initiative is the integration of technology with traditional canal systems. This includes using artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and data analytics to optimize water usage usage distribution. The initiative also prioritizes the restoration of ancient waterways and canals that have historical significance, integrating modern techniques to revive and enhance them.
One of the most prominent examples of China’s canal system is the Grand Canal, the longest man-made canal in the world. Spanning over 1,100 miles, the Grand Canal has historically served as a major trade route, connecting northern and southern parts of China, facilitating economic growth and promoting cultural exchanges. Over time, China has upgraded its canal systems to better serve the needs of its people. With modern technology, China has been able to optimize water flow, reduce evaporation, and manage water storage to ensure that it is available when needed most, especially in times of drought.
The key takeaway from China’s Canal Civilization Initiative is the holistic approach to water management. It’s not merely about building new canals but about integrating the old with the new, ensuring sustainability, improving flood control, and expanding agricultural productivity. This comprehensive strategy, which also incorporates eco-friendly techniques, makes China’s canal system a powerful model for countries like Pakistan.
Pakistan’s current irrigation system is based on a network of canals that was designed in the British colonial era. The infrastructure is aging, and there is significant water loss due to seepage, evaporation, and poor management. China’s success in optimizing its canal systems through advanced technologies can serve as a model for Pakistan. By introducing smart water management systems, including data-driven irrigation control, automation, and remote monitoring, Pakistan can ensure that water is distributed more efficiently across its agricultural lands, reducing wastage and maximizing productivity.
Just as China has invested in restoring historical canal systems like the Grand Canal, Pakistan has the potential to restore and modernize its ancient canals. Revitalizing old canal networks could help improve water storage, optimize distribution, and increase access to water in rural areas. Additionally, such initiatives could boost tourism, cultural heritage, and regional pride, further contributing to local economies.
One of China’s greatest achievements in canal management is the fusion of technology with traditional water management practices. Advanced sensors and data analytics allow for real-time monitoring of water levels, flow rates, and distribution efficiency. Pakistan could benefit greatly from adopting such technologies to improve water conservation, prevent wastage, and create a more sustainable irrigation system. By training farmers and engineers to use these technologies, Pakistan can reduce water consumption while maintaining agricultural productivity.
China’s Canal Civilization Initiative also emphasizes the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices alongside the improvement of canal infrastructure. In Pakistan, agriculture is the backbone of the economy, contributing to both GDP and employment. However, the sector faces challenges such as water scarcity, inefficient irrigation, and over-reliance on traditional farming methods. By learning from China’s emphasis on sustainable practice such as agroforestry, water-efficient crops and drip irrigationn, Pakistan can ensure that its agricultural sector remains viable and resilient to climate change.
With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, flood control has become an urgent priority for Pakistan. China’s canal systems play a significant role in controlling floods, as canals help redirect excess water during periods of heavy rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding. By modernizing its own canal infrastructure, Pakistan could better manage floodwaters and mitigate the impacts of floods on agricultural lands, infrastructure, and communities.
The development of an integrated water management system across regions and provinces is another important lesson from China. China’s emphasis on collaborative water management within its borders especially in shared water resources could serve as a framework for Pakistan to enhance its own water-sharing agreements with neighbouring countries. By fostering cooperation at regional levels, Pakistan can ensure a more equitable and sustainable distribution of water.
The Canal Civilization Initiative offers valuable insights into the ways in which water management can shape the future of nations. For Pakistan, adopting elements of China’s successful canal system management could help address the nation’s water challenges and contribute to long-term economic development. From improving irrigation efficiency to restoring ancient canal systems, and integrating technology with traditional practices, there is much to learn from China’s experience. By implementing these strategies, Pakistan can secure a more sustainable and prosperous future, ensuring that its water resources are used wisely to support agriculture, industry, and the well-being of its people.
The writer is a media fellow of China International Press and Communication Centre and may be reached at zamirasadi@gmail.com
