Revolution in the Hills: Water Without Fuel
In the scenic yet rugged hills of Mansehra’s Union Council Achhriaan, nestled in the Shinkiari region, a simple but revolutionary technology is reshaping lives and combating climate change without using a single drop of fuel. A hydraulic ram pump, installed with the support of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), has emerged as a game-changer for water-scarce communities, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution to one of the toughest challenges in mountainous areas: water accessibility.
Operating on the basic principles of gravity and water pressure, the hydraulic ram pump requires no electricity, diesel, or any external power source. Water from a natural spring or stream is channeled downhill through a pipe, where pressure is created via a valve system. This pressure then pushes water uphill into homes and fields, ensuring a continuous and clean supply even at high altitudes. The beauty of the system lies in its simplicity—zero carbon emissions, low maintenance, and high impact. It has enabled round-the-clock water access without causing environmental degradation or placing a financial burden on the community.
The driving force behind this innovation is Engineer Rehmatullah Kundi, who introduced this technology in Pakistan in 2014. He began experimenting in Shinkiari and, after initial success, gained recognition and support from organizations like ICIMOD, WWF, and UNDP. With their help, over 30 pumps were installed across Gilgit-Baltistan. “This is not just about irrigation—it’s about land stabilization, food security, and sustainability,” Kundi emphasizes. With four decades of experience in academia and engineering, he continues to pioneer renewable energy projects, including solar pumps, water heaters, and dryers.
Further emphasizing the importance of this innovation, Kifayat Zaman, Senior Researcher at IWMI, explains that the project is designed to promote climate-resilient agriculture. While lower-altitude areas benefit from natural springs, upper regions often face acute shortages. The hydraulic ram pump addresses this challenge effectively, as it runs entirely on the internal inertia of water—without any fuel or electricity. In Mansehra alone, more than 30 such pumps are either installed or under construction, each costing around PKR 350,000 and providing a consistent water supply throughout the year, even during dry seasons. Zaman also highlights how the pump has eased the physical burden on women and improved daily conditions for both farmers and livestock owners.
Local voices add weight to the pump’s impact. Imtiaz Ahmed, Chairman of the Civil Rights Foundation in Achhriaan, says the project has transformed daily life in the village. “The pump delivers 36,000 liters of water every 24 hours, serving nearly 200 households. Previously, people spent thousands of rupees per hour on generators, and women had to fetch water from the Siran River. That burden is now lifted.” Gulfaam Khan, Vice Chairman of the Union Council, calls it “a revolutionary technology” for the village—clean, quiet, and fuel-free—praising both its environmental and social benefits.
Farmers, too, share their gratitude. Dilawar Khan explains how the pump has simplified livestock management. “I have many cows and buffaloes. Earlier, we had to go to the river for water. Now it’s available at home. We use 10–20 buckets daily and give water to the animals three times a day.” Likewise, Khushbakht, a local woman, expresses her relief at the end of her daily struggle: “We used to walk to the spring to wash clothes and fetch water for cooking and gardening. Now, everything is done at home. This has saved time, effort, and brought peace to our lives. I wish every rural area had access to this technology.”
Ultimately, the hydraulic ram pump offers far-reaching benefits. It is environmentally friendly, requiring no fuel or electricity, incurs low operational costs, reduces the workload on women, boosts agricultural productivity, and ensures a reliable year-round water supply for both crops and livestock. In remote villages like Achhriaan, this pump is not merely a solution to water scarcity—it is a model for sustainable, climate-resilient rural development. It demonstrates how intelligent, nature-based innovations can uplift entire communities, protect the environment, and fight climate change—one drop at a time.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance, policies, or official position of The Spine Times.
Sheraz Ahmad Sherazi
The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad.
