Climate Change and its Impact on Water Resources of Selected Areas in District Chitral with High Climatic Vulnerabilities
Climate Change and its Impact on Water Resources of Selected Areas in District Chitral with High Climatic Vulnerabilities
Saiqa Jehan1*, Tahir Sarwar1, Naveedullah1, Shahzad Khan Khattak2 and M. Jamal Khan3
ABSTRACT
Climate change is most significant environmental problem affecting human activity, either directly or indirectly, and it has an impact on every community in the world. This study examines the local community’s perception of climate change and its impact on water resources of selected areas in district Chitral with high climatic vulnerabilities. General observations and a survey based on questionnaires were used to collect field data. The questionnaire survey used both closed-ended and open-ended questions as a tool. This study was conducted in the three villages of Upper, middle and lower Chitral (Buni, Garam Chashma and Darkhanandeh) respectively. Of district Chitral, which were most affected by the floods. For field survey, random sampling method was used. A total of 212 respondents including farmers, personnel from government departments and NGOs were interviewed. The results of the survey revealed that almost all respondents were aware of climate change, which has effect on rainfall and seasonal temperature pattern of the area. Almost all the respondents reported that deforestation is the primary factor contributing to climate change. There is moderate decrease in the frequency of summer and winter rainfall. Number of flood events has risen as summer rainfall intensity has increased and its duration has decreased. Similarly, risk of floods has increased because of the change in climate. The foremost reason of this increase in risk of floods has been attributed to increase in rainfall intensity and snow and glacier melt. However, dry periods has increased by 2-3 weeks according to majority of the respondents. All the respondents mentioned that the temperature has changed of the area in the last 25 years, which has resulted in GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods). Most of the respondents reported that they have experienced the disasters (such as flash floods, drought, GLOF, landslides and windstorms) in the last 25 years. According to majority of the respondents (76%) the discharge of major rivers in Chitral has increased. The quality of surface water has degraded due to sewerage and poor sanitation activities. The water use by farmers for irrigation is diverted from streams and springs on demand basis. Climate change is happening in the area and people are facing its effects on their lives. Therefore, in order to minimize damages by climate change in future, community should be trained on climate change adaptation/mitigation, water quality management and rainwater harvesting practices etc.
To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?
