Solar-powered irrigation system as a nature-based solution for sustaining agricultural water management in the Upper Indus Basin

Abstract

Rapid deglaciation in form of lowering of glacial surface under growing warm temperatures form a major cause of disruption in meltwater flows to cryosphere-fed irrigation network which usually affects the agriculture productivity and livelihoods in the Upper Indus Basin (UIB). In such hotspots of cryosphere change and other vulnerable areas, solar powered irrigation system (SPIS) can be adopted as a nature-based solution to uplift water from the nearby glacio-fluvial streams for irrigation and domestic use. In the present study, solar energy harnessing potential was investigated in the UIB region of Pakistan based on climate and topographic suitability to adopt solar powered irrigation system (SPIS) in the region. Overall mean temperature and elevation were found suitable for harnessing solar energy in major parts of the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalaya (HKH) ranges of the UIB. The slope index indicated high suitability for harnessing solar energy in about 92.5% area, while aspect exhibited high suitability in about 13.3% area and medium in 25.3% area of the HKH region. The slope-aspect (SLA) suitability was found good in about 13.5% area of the Hindu Kush, 12% of the Karakoram and 10.9% area of the Himalaya range, whereas it was observed medium in about 26.7% area of the Hindu Kush, 21.8% of the Karakoram and 22.2% area of the Himalaya range. Overall the SLA suitability was found good in about 12.1% area and medium in about 23.5% area of the three HKH ranges. However, maximum benefits of the SPIS approach can be acquired through linking it with integrated water resource management approach for sustainable agricultural water management in the region.