SWAT Project to Integrate Technology for Evidence-Based Decisions with HAI Program in Sindh
Jyoti Maheshwari
Experts have emphasized that the use of modern technology enables informed and timely decision-making in the larger public interest. They noted that real-time data is essential for such decisions. These views were expressed during the final workshop on the design of the Hydro-Agro Informatics (HAI) Program Phase-I, held under the auspices of the Sindh Water & Agriculture Transformation (SWAT) Project — a World Bank–financed initiative being implemented by the Irrigation Department, Government of Sindh, in collaboration with the U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W), Mehran University of Engineering & Technology (MUET), Jamshoro. The event was held at a local hotel in Karachi.
Secretary Irrigation, Zarif Iqbal Khero, said that the Government of Sindh consistently supports technology-driven initiatives that assist in making evidence-based decisions, particularly during calamities such as recent floods in the province. He added that action plans are being developed based on both historical and real-time data. He further stated that water pricing is now being implemented in letter and spirit, and that substantial revenue is being collected from the Thar Coal Power Project — enough, he said, to enable the construction of a new canal.
Water expert and former IRSA member, Ehsan-ul-Haq Leghari, noted that with the implementation of HAI, the provincial irrigation and agriculture departments will greatly benefit, provided their capacity requirements are properly aligned with the program.
Sharing Bangladesh’s experience, Malik Fida A. Khan, Executive Director of the Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) and Technical Advisor to the HAI Project, delivered a presentation via video link. He said that Bangladesh has developed 26 components of its Flood Action Plan using HAI-type techniques to minimize flood losses and strengthen resilience.
In his welcome address, Nazir Ahmed Memon, Project Coordinator, Project Coordination & Monitoring Unit (PCMU), SWAT Project, highlighted the importance of adopting modern, technology-oriented practices for climate adaptation and resilience.
Prof. Dr. Tuaha Hussain, Vice Chancellor, MUET Jamshoro, in his vote of thanks, said that MUET is playing a leading role in strengthening industry–academia linkages and enhancing collaboration with international agencies, government bodies, and end users. This applied research, he noted, will ultimately benefit all stakeholders. He added that the establishment of the HAI Data Center will support provincial line departments through improved data access.
During the plenary session, Dr. Kamran Ansari, Director USPCAS-W MUET Jamshoro and Team Leader, delivered a detailed presentation on the outcomes of HAI Program Phase-I, covering the institutional model, key frameworks, technology stack, and plans for the Phase-II rollout. Mr. Motaleb Hossain Sarker, Deputy Executive Director, CEGIS Bangladesh & Team Leader, HAI Phase-I, shared insights from the development partner’s perspective.
The workshop was attended by Ms. Simi Kamal, Chairperson Hisaar Foundation; Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, Vice Chancellor, Sindh Agriculture University; Prof. Dr. Bakshal Lashari, former Director USPCAS-W; Dr. Rafiq Chandio, Director General Bureau of Statistics; Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, Director General Agriculture, Training & Research Agriculture Engineering & Water Management; and representatives from SIDA, KWSC, Irrigation Department, Agriculture Department, Information Department, academia, water researchers, and civil society organizations.
