Chapter

remotely sensed data. The data will b e classified by projects/units, canal commands and districts and will be published for the entire irrigated area of the Indus basin. Pakistan Meteorological Department collects daily meteorological data at around 60 locations in the country. Historical data are available with the department and they have published climatic normal (mean values) for 1 930-60 and 1 960-90. The Department has also conducted studies on climate change and drought. Economic Wing of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock publishes annually the Agricultural Statistics 0 f Pakistan, which includes data related to area and production of crops, crop yields, inputs availability including water, groundwater, machinery, fertilizers, imports and exports, livestock, fisheries, farm and land use statistics. Recently, the Economic Wing in collaboration with the Water Resources Research Institute of the National Agricultural Research Centre (WRRI-NARC) included some of the GIS based information related to agro-climates, cropping patterns, etc. in the Agriculture Statistics [7J. 3.2 Institutions involved in Applications of IT in the Water Sector of Pakistan

In Pakistan, a number of institutions have developed capacity and capability for spatial and temporal analysis and image processing facility using the remotely sensed and other data, which can be used for studies related to water management. These institutions are also using modelling and other techniques for water sector studies. Radio telemetry is now being used for the transfer of river flows data to the remote stations. The systematic applications of IT in the development of water informatics started during the last five-years by water research and development agencies. These institutions are at the initial stages and there are still requirements for capacity building and infrastructure development. In the last two years, there has been appreciation at the highest level for the application of IT for the development of informatics for various sectors. The institutions involved in the application ofIT, telematics and informatics are listed as under: International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Lahore: IWMI studies issues related to water management in the Indus basin covering aspects of: a) sustainable irrigated agriculture; b) salinity management; c) crop water use; d) groundwater management; and e ) water productivity. Ani ntegrated database at the basin level is being developed. A team of professionals and experts in the area of water management has been trained. Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA): WAPDA is involved in issues related to water development and management in the Indus basin covering aspects of: a) monitoring of salinity and waterlogging; b) salinity management; c) drainage; and d) groundwater management. Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) , National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Islamabad: WRRI is concerned with planning for optimal use of water resources. The institute undertakes studies related to: a) characterization and classification of climate and agroclimate; b) diagnosis of irrigated agriculture; b) salinity management; c) resource inventories; d) hydrologic potential of shallow groundwater; e) watershed degradation 139