The small fishing village of Dando Jetty in Thatta, Pakistan, is facing a crisis as the Indus Delta is disappearing due to land degradation and water shortage issues. Zahid Sakani, a former farmer, watched his village being swallowed by the sea, forcing him to migrate and change professions. Other villages in the Delta have also disappeared over the past decade. Now, the government plans to invest $6 billion in canal projects as part of the Green Pakistan Initiative, seeking to cultivate barren land and mechanize agriculture.
However, experts warn that the proposed canal system could worsen water scarcity issues in Sindh and Balochistan. The Indus Delta has already shrunk by 92% since 1833, leading to a loss of livelihood for many residents who have turned to fishing. Fish catches have dwindled, contributing to an annual loss of $2 billion for Pakistan. The delta’s destruction can be traced back to British colonial policies and the construction of dams and canals.
Residents like Nathi Mallah and Allah Bux Kalmati are struggling to make ends meet as water shortages impact their ability to farm and fish. The existing irrigation system in Pakistan is outdated, leading to inefficient water usage and low agricultural productivity. Experts emphasize the need to conserve water and modernize the irrigation network to address the growing challenges in the region.
As the sea continues to erode the land, residents like Zahid Sakani fear that their current homes may also perish in the coming years. The fate of the Indus Delta hangs in the balance, with the proposed canal projects potentially sealing its demise. The delicate ecosystem of the delta and the livelihoods of those who depend on it are at stake, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address the water and land degradation issues facing the region.
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