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It has faced many issues in the coastal areas of Sindh in recent decades. These include the disappearance of some fish species, the alleged attitude of the governments about the coastal population, the destruction of the freshwater lakes and the shrinking opportunities of livelihoods. The most important thing in these concerns is to dry the coast as well as maritime intervention and agricultural lands.
It is not surprising that nationalist groups, social groups and farmers are joining hands to oppose a scheme that is considered to promote water shortage through the construction of six canals. They are calling it a matter of life and death for the people of Sindh.
The people of Sindh have been informed that if the canals are constructed and operated, the agricultural land in Sindh will become barren. Anxiety and reaction have been compared to the proposal and opposition and resistance to the construction of a dam in Kalabag.
Agriculture is the largest employer of Sindh’s economy.
Workers say the implementation of the 1991 water agreement has been contradictory for decades. He says that it has not only caused a lot of economic loss to the farmers but also caused environmental decline in the province. For the past two decades, coastal areas of the province, including Thatta, Sujul and Badin districts, have not been getting appropriate fresh water.
Farmers say the contradictory supply of water has not only affected agriculture in the coastal region but also mobilized maritime interference.
Researchers say that in the 1950s and 60s, Sindh Delta was fertile and prosperous. However, due to the decrease flow in the river, a large agricultural land is damaged. In 1999, such a storm could cause catastrophe in coastal areas. If the harvest continues, Shah Binder may disappear by 2035. By 2050, according to some estimates, seawater may be interrupted.
The federal government and the Indus System Authority are the main goals of criticism, accusations and protests. Insisting that there is no extra water in the system, workers ask how IRSA can allow more six canals to be planned and constructed. They say that this is equivalent to snatching livelihoods for millions. He also claims that this will affect the collapse of the residence of aquatic life, animals and plants.
In a report by the Global Change Impact Study Center in 2021, it was concluded that Sindh Delta’s degradation has caused Pakistan $ 2 billion loss. [yearly? over 60 years?]. Between 1999 and 2023, Sindh reported 40 % of the water and Punjab 15 %. In an article, Professor Akhtar Hussein Ghozro regretted that the river (Sindh) that strengthened the civilization of the Indus Valley was a serious threat.
Confidential supply of water has not only affected irrigation agriculture in the coastal region but also mobilized maritime interference.
A study conducted by a group of local agricultural experts concludes that if the proposed rivers are constructed and operated at full capacity, 1.2 million acres of agricultural land in Sindh will be barren due to water shortage. The land of about 18 18 million acres of land is already unnoticed as a result of dehydration [Source?].
Abdul Zakat Timro, a villager from Urs Timro, remembers that his community in the coastal area of Jati was known for producing a row of red rice varieties, which was recovered from far away. “Those days are behind us,” he expressed regret. “The shortage of water has not only made our land infertile, but it has also pushed many crops to the brink of extinction.”
Local analyst Zahid Ishaq Soomro echoes the emotions of Timro. He says, “We had the ability to increase the diverse range of pulses and vegetables, but water shortages have eliminated this possibility.” “Famous for our mangoes, orange and lemons, we are heartbroken to see the gardens once stranded, which is caused by the devastating effects of storms, heavy rains and flash floods.”
For a farmer, Allah Bachao Jat, the water crisis means the waste of a lifestyle. He reminded, “We used to cultivate turmeric, red sugarcane and corn. They had more demand in local markets.” “But now, those crops are a remote memory, at a time that our lands were fertile, and the water was high.”
Another local farmer, Qasir Chandu, says he is afraid of the future. He says, “Our cultivated lands are waiting for water. However, it is not certain, if not, then it will arrive.” “Paddy cultivation is delayed. If the water crisis persists, the crop can end.”
Fishermen are also expected to lose a part of their fresh water supply to its fresh water lakes. Agricultural expert Obhai Khan Khushik says: “We listen to people in some parts of the world who treat rivers like humans and recognize their rights. Sadly, the trend in our country is in the opposite direction.”
The proposed construction of six more canals is being viewed as an existential threat to the Indus River. It can affect the bread of the people of Sindh and the economy. According to a Fact Sheet of the World Bank, 77 % of Sindh’s agricultural land relys on the canal irrigation.
The significant decline in river flow will yield devastating consequences for the agricultural economy of Sindh, and an additional 37 % of the rural population will be forced to get into poverty and risk.
The author is a practice lawyer and an independent journalist. The fields of interest include cultural diversity and social politics. They tweeted as @Zainsha1 on XX.
