By Khpalwak Mohmand
The former FATA, now part of the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is geographically mountainous, dry and dependent on seasonal rainfall. These areas do not have the facility of rivers or canal systems throughout the year, while during the rainy season the runoff flowing from the mountains carries away a huge amount of water. This water turns into raging streams within hours or days, and in the process a valuable natural resource is lost. At the same time, it often takes the form of destructive floods, damaging villages, crops, roads and houses. In such circumstances, the construction of small dams or rainwater dams has become a basic necessity for the tribal areas.
Small dams are essentially small water reservoirs designed to store rainwater. These dams prevent rainwater from going to waste and allow it to be used later for agriculture, drinking water, livestock and other needs. In many arid and semi-arid countries, small dams are regarded as an effective tool for rural development, agricultural self-sufficiency and environmental protection. In tribal districts such as Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Waziristan and Orakzai, along with other mountainous regions, there are naturally numerous locations where small dams can be constructed at relatively low cost.
If small dams are built in these areas in a planned manner, their positive effects could be felt across almost every sphere of life. The agricultural sector would benefit first. With increased water availability, barren and uncultivated land could become cultivable. Farmers would be able to grow more than one crop a year instead of relying solely on rainfall. The production of wheat, maize, vegetables and fruits would increase, meeting nutritional needs while also strengthening the local economy.
Similarly, livestock remains an important source of income for people in the tribal areas. Due to water scarcity, livestock owners face severe difficulties. Water conservation through small dams would improve the availability of water and fodder for animals. In addition, the sectors of honey production, forestry and horticulture could also develop, creating new employment opportunities for local people.
Another major benefit of small dams is environmental protection. When rainwater is absorbed into the ground, groundwater levels improve, springs are reactivated and the effects of drought are reduced. These dams can also help minimise the loss of life and property by reducing the intensity of flood waves. Devastating floods in tribal areas have repeatedly damaged infrastructure, slowing the pace of development. If water is stored and managed properly, these risks can be significantly reduced.
It cannot be ignored that promises regarding the construction of small dams have been made during different political periods. In particular, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced plans for small dams in the tribal areas in its election manifesto and political campaigns. Through wall chalking, rallies and public speeches in various areas, assurances were given that large-scale projects would be launched to secure water resources in rain-fed regions. In practice, however, these projects failed to meet public expectations.
The current situation is that while some small dams were constructed in certain areas, many projects were undermined by poor materials, substandard construction and corruption. According to local residents, several dams became inoperable after only a few spells of rain or lacked the capacity to store sufficient water. Allegations have also surfaced that contracts were awarded on political grounds and through commissions, resulting in transparency and quality being ignored. As a consequence, people continue to face water shortages, flood threats and agricultural difficulties.
The reality is that sustainable peace and development in the tribal areas cannot be achieved through military or security measures alone. Unless people are provided with employment, agriculture, water and other basic facilities, the sense of deprivation will persist. Projects such as small dams not only promote economic activity but can also steer young people towards positive opportunities by reducing unemployment. This is why infrastructure and water projects are closely linked with peace and stability in developed countries.
Finally, it would not be wrong to say that the construction of small dams is not merely a water storage initiative but a guarantee of survival, prosperity and sustainable development for the tribal areas. If implemented with integrity and consistency, these projects could provide the people of the erstwhile FATA not only with relief from water scarcity but also with renewed hope for agriculture, the environment, employment and the wider economy. Such projects could also play a significant role in reducing unrest and deprivation, because development and peace remain deeply intertwined.
(The writer is senior journalist at tribal district Mohmand, has in-depth knowledge of national and international issues, can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
