Better tools for irrigation water allocation and distributions in Pakistan
The Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS) of Pakistan is the largest contiguous irrigation system in the world. Developing tools that take into account seasonal flow forecasting, allocation and distribution of water within this system is a key water resource planning and operational requirement in Pakistan.
River System Daily Irrigation Allocation Modelling Workshop
Participants at the Indus River System Daily Irrigation Allocation Model workshop at the Indus River Authority head office
Based on the recommendations of the 2012 Pakistan Water Sector Taskforce Report, CSIRO in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), Indus River System Authority (IRSA) and provincial irrigation departments of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh, has developed a daily Indus River System Model (IRSM) using the eWater Source modelling framework – Australia’s national hydrological modelling platform. This model simulates flow of water in the main river and its distribution into canal networks as per Pakistan’s 1991 Interprovincial Water Apportionment Accord.
In October 2017, the CSIRO river modelling team visited Pakistan to conduct model testing with Pakistani partners at Indus River System Authority Head Office, Islamabad. This testing compared the results of the Indus River System Model with existing seasonal planning and allocations using historical records. Model results for the period 2002 to 2012 show that simulated seasonal inflow forecasts match with historic forecasts resulting in provincial allocations that are also in agreement with historic water deliveries.
Pakistan government agencies now have increased confidence in the model’s ability and have requested intensive testing and reporting over time to be used in parallel with their existing seasonal planning methods. The project is continuing with work on model refinement, increased model skill in predictions and capacity development.
About SDIP
The SDIP Phase 2 aims to improve the integrated management of water, energy and food in the Himalayan river basins, addressing climate risk and the interests of women and girls. It seeks to:
- strengthen practices for regional cooperation
- generate and use critical new knowledge to enhance regional cooperation
- improve the regional enabling environment for private sector engagement.
Find out more about SDIP in CSIRO by visiting our website and the Pakistan page
Access the SDIP publications and Pakistan publications
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