Quetta — Amid one of Balochistan’s most severe droughts in recent years, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems installed at two leading educational institutions in Quetta have delivered encouraging early results, officials confirmed on January 15, 2026.
The province saw 52 per cent below-average rainfall in 2025, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, putting immense strain on groundwater reserves that supply most of the capital’s needs. To address this crisis, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), through the European Union-funded Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Programme (RBWRP), set up advanced harvesting and recharge infrastructure at the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) and the Balochistan Agriculture College (BAC).
Turn Rain into a Resource!
This powerful visual breaks down how a modern rainwater harvesting system transforms simple roof runoff into a smart, sustainable water supply for the home. pic.twitter.com/V5RWRXoDzN
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Key Highlights
- Systems were tested during December 2025 rains: 5mm on December 20 filled storage tanks at BUITEMS near capacity without recharge.
- Heavier 13mm rainfall on December 30-31 fully charged tanks and recharged 4 cubic metres into the aquifer at BUITEMS, with water quality showing safe Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels of 155 ppm.
- At Balochistan Agriculture College, the same rains filled a 286,500-litre storage pond, with overflow contributing 1.5 cubic metres to groundwater recharge.
- BUITEMS site also captures overhead tank overflow for regular horticultural use.
- Officials from IWMI, including Deputy Country Representative Dr Muhammad Arshad, highlighted the systems’ success in capturing rainwater for institutional needs while replenishing depleted aquifers.
These low-cost, sustainable interventions demonstrate a practical path forward for water-scarce arid regions. Project team members Shamsher Shah and Mueez Shehzad noted that the December results prove the setups work effectively and can be scaled up across other drought-affected parts of Balochistan.
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With climate challenges intensifying, such community-focused solutions offer hope for better water security, supporting both institutions and the surrounding areas. The success underscores Pakistan’s commitment to innovative, eco-friendly approaches in tackling environmental pressures.
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