Water Resources Research Centre (WRRC), Quetta
Introduction
The WRRC Quetta has been established in Baluchistan to solve the water related problems of the province. The province experiences extreme weather conditions and low and erratic rainfall, therefore its land is mostly barren and deserted. Apart from traditional irrigation practices in canal command areas, Baluchistan does have the significance of possessing the traditional kareze irrigation system. The Centre has been assigned the role to initiate problem oriented research activities, in different disciplines of water sector, with a view to optimize water utilization with maximized efficiency. The WRRC, Quetta has been conducting and planning research activities for artificial recharge of depleting aquifers in Baluchistan through construction of leaky dams, check dams, watershed management; installation of wind mills and high efficiency irrigation systems; and productive use of wasteland and water resources for improving agriculture, horticulture, forestry and rangelands.

Objectives
- To develop strategy to rehabilitate centuries old indigenously developed karez system and its interaction with delay action dams.
- To study the siltation and sedimentation problems in the delay action dams.
- To conduct studies and develop strategies, for the conjunctive use of water.
- To develop methods and techniques, for the artificial recharge of the aquifers.
- To analyze the water quality status of surface and groundwater.
- To study the water utilization policies with respect to socio-economic aspects of the area.
- To study and identify the development of mini-hydel power systems.
- To conduct lysimetric studies, to establish the water requirements of different crops particularly orchards etc.
- To study and promote local participation in the adoption of cooperative system regarding water use.
Sustainable Groundwater Management in Balochistan

Leaky Dam – A New Concept of Groundwater Recharge in Balochistan

Karez System Cultural Landscape: Background
- Inclusion in Tentative List for the Nomination of Karez as Cultural Landscape on UNESCO World Heritage (2015) in collaboration with Water Management, Balochistan
- Karezes of Balochistan are unique as they represent cultural landscape which is evolved by the interaction of people and their environment Partners.
- Department of Culture, Government of Balochistan
- UNESCO Pakistan Office.
- Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR).
- Department of Archeology and Museum, Heritage Division.
- Rogers, Kolachi Khan and Associates as Consultants.

Survey and Digital Inventory of Karezes
- Karez is a community owned system, only a limited data is publicly available regarding their status
- This lack of information leads to lack of management; institutions are not able to support communities
- Survey of 1200 hundred Karezes according to 30 technical parameters
- UNESCO-IHP Wins digital inventory of surveyed Karezes are prepared.

Quetta Office Research Team
Officials | Contact | Area of Expertise |
---|---|---|
![]() Ms. Ziviqar |
Cell: 03218149357 Office: 081-2873112 Email: ziviqar@yahoo.com |
|
![]() Mr. Mohammad Kaleem Deputy Director |
Cell: 03327904030 | |
![]() Ms. Zamur Naz SRO |
Email: info@gmail.com | |
![]() Mr. Imtiaz Ali Assistant Director |
Cell: 03337907640 Email: info@gmail.com |
|
![]() Mr. Sibghat Ullah Qureshi Assistant Scientific Officer |
Cell: 03458323862 Email: sibghat_1@yahoo.com |
|
![]() Mr. Mohammad Shafiq Assistant Scientific Officer |
Cell: 03453922125 Email: info@gmail.com |
Filed Research Station
A set of six (06) no. lysimeters and one (01) observation chamber having circular chambers of concrete comprises 1.08 acre (314’ x 150’) have been constructed under the collaboration of National Drainage Programme where, studies for determination of crop water requirements of the orchards are under progress
Total Area of Research Station | 8.34 acre |
Area Under Lysimeter Station (6 Nos. of Lysimter & 1 observation Chamber) | 1.08 acre (314’x150’) |
Area under orchard of different fruit species (Apple, Apricot, Pomegranate, Almond and Grapes) | 2.24 acre (34’x312’) |
Area under wheat/vegetable experiments | 1.91 acre (277’x300’) |
Area under Fruit Nursery | 0.63 acre (191’x138’) |
Area under Olive Plantation | 0.60 acre (212’x120’) |
Area reserved for cut flowering experiment | 1.25 acre |
Area under store, green house, road, office room etc. | 0.63 acre |


Lysimeter Buffer Zone Grapes, Apple, Pomegranate & Olive at Water Resources






Pakistan is facing problem of declining water availability and quality. Access to safe drinking water is critical health issue and challenge for the state. Drinking water sources, both surface and groundwater are contaminated with coliforms, toxic metals and pesticides throughout the country.
The Water quality laboratories at Regional Office, PCRWR Quetta, & Loralai are well equipped for the analysis of drinking, irrigation and waste water. In a short span of time, it has upgraded its infrastructure and improving the quality of services rendered to general public/clients with its skilled and dedicated manpower.
A. Analytical Capability/Facilities
Microbiological Analysis
Total Coliforms, Fecal Coliforms, E. Coli, Presence/Absence test for microbiology
B. Chemical Analysis
i.Physico-Aesthetic Parameter: Color, Odor, Taste, Electrical Conductivity, pH, Turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Solid
ii.Major Chemical Parameters: Alkalinity, Bicarbonate, Calcium, Carbonate, Chloride, Fluoride, Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, Total Hardness, Magnesium Hardness, Nitrate (as N), Potassium, Sodium, Sulphate,
iii.Trace Metals Parameters: Arsenic,Fluoride
C. Wastewater Analysis
Dissolved solids (TDS), Suspended solids, BOD, COD


The Centre houses a small library, containing books and reports on the groundwater recharge, watershed management, desertification control and soil management etc.
Cultural Mapping Training Workshop and 3rd- 4th Steering Committee Meeting


Secretary MoST Visit of Water Resources Research Center Quetta


Plantation Drive Under Clean Green Pakistan August,2021

