Pakistan's Indus Delta Faces Threats Amid Canal Construction
The Indus delta's destruction has led to the loss of livelihoods, with many residents forced to switch from farming to fishing, resulting in a $2 billion annual loss for Pakistan. The decline of the delta has also led to a significant decrease in fish catches, further threatening the region's economy and food security.
The Indus delta, once a thriving agricultural hub in Pakistan, is facing severe threats due to land degradation and the construction of six new canals along the Indus River, sparking concerns over water diversion and exacerbating the existing water shortage in the region.
The construction of new canals, part of the Green Pakistan Initiative, aims to irrigate 1.5 million acres of barren land and mechanize 50 million acres of agricultural land. However, the project has been met with opposition from the Sindh government, which claims that it will divert water from the Indus River, further threatening the already fragile ecosystem of the delta. The Indus delta has already lost 92% of its original area since the 19th century, with dozens of villages disappearing due to the advancing sea.
Experts warn that the construction of new canals will further exacerbate the situation, as the Indus River's water flow is already insufficient to support the existing delta ecosystem. The Pakistan government has been criticized for its handling of the Indus River, with many accusing it of prioritizing corporate farming over the needs of the local population. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the Indus River originates in China, where a dam has been built, and the waters of the Sutlej River, which also flows into the Indus, primarily belong to India under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty.
The construction of the new canals has been criticized by experts, who warn that it is an "unscientific" project that will not provide a sustainable solution to the region's water needs. The project has also been opposed by the Sindh government, which claims that it will divert water from the Indus River, exacerbating the existing water shortage in the region. The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) have vowed to mount a joint struggle against the controversial project, with PTI's Haleem Adil Sheikh criticizing the PPP leadership for exploiting Sindh's resources for their own benefits.
The situation in the Indus delta is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of human activities on the environment. The region's unique ecosystem, which has been home to some of the earliest known human civilizations, is under threat due to the construction of dams, barrages, and canals. The Pakistan government must take urgent action to protect the Indus delta and its inhabitants, and prioritize the needs of the local population over corporate interests.