Ecology of Karez irrigation: a case of Pakistan |
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| Authors: | M Rahman Dr |
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| Institution: | (1) Dept. of Earth Sciences, Iowa State University, 50011 Ames, Iowa, USA |
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| Abstract: | Though hard to construct, difficult to maintain, and yet limited in scope, the karez irrigation system has been an integral part of agricultural landscape in Baluchistan province of Pakistan for the last 2500 years, if not earlier. The irrigation system is well adjusted with the social and political institutions in Baluchistan and synchronizes with the local economies.Archaeology indicates that the idea of karez irrigation originated in the Indus Valley Civilization of Pakistan, while philology, method of construction, migration of karez technocrats support the view that the technology was introduced from Afghanistan and not from Iran as is generally accepted. An attempt has been made in this paper to examine the ecology of karez irrigation in Pakistan in terms of its nature, origin, diffusion and persistence including the recent changes in the system wherein tunnels are being replaced by cement pipes and  Delay Action Dams. . The delay action dams are being introduced to augment the subsurface water supply. The tube-wells and modern electric-powered pumps are impinging on the karezes and may ultimately destroy the fragile ecosystem of Baluchistan, including the age-old karez irrigation system. |
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