DESALINATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Cities and settlements in the developing countries experience various challenges in making potable water available for expanding populations. Fast urbanizing regions such as South Asia face these challenges to extreme extents. With fresh water bodies becoming contested and oversubscribed, need for alternative sources become apparent. Desalination offers a worthwhile option especially in regions which have access to the sea. This talk explores key water supply challenges faced by countries in South Asia. It also examines desalination as an option for augmenting water supply in such contexts. The talk touches upon the economic, social, operational and managerial aspects of the technology. Some best practices from around the globe are brought to discussion to establish the usefulness of desalination. Finally issues of desalination in Pakistan are deliberated with possibilities of exploring the option further.