Thatta, Pakistan – On a bright afternoon at Dando Jetty, situated in Pakistan’s picturesque Indus Delta, boats are bustling with activity—unloading their recent catches while others prepare to venture into the vast Arabian Sea. The vibrant melodies of traditional Sindhi folk singer Fouzia Soomro fill the air, resonating with the cultural richness of this region.
Located approximately 130 kilometers from Karachi, Dando Jetty lies alongside Khobar Creek, among the few remaining creeks of the Indus River in Thatta, a coastal district in Sindh province. Local resident Zahid Sakani comments on the pressing issue currently facing the creek, noting the troubling influx of seawater. This transformation, he explains, arises from a lack of freshwater flow essential for the creek’s health.
Once a thriving farmer in his ancestral village of Haji Qadir Bux Sakani, the advancing sea has dramatically altered Sakani’s life, forcing him to seek refuge in Baghan, located just 15 kilometers away. Now, at the age of 45, he has transitioned to tailoring, a testament to his resilience amid adversity. He reflects on the once-fertile land that supported his community, lamenting the loss of farmland and livestock that were swallowed by the encroaching waters.
The Kharo Chan region, once a prosperous hub comprising 42 villages, has seen a dramatic decline in its population—from 26,000 in 1988 to just over 11,000 in 2023, as entire communities were uprooted and relocated due to the relentless advance of the sea. The destructive impact of climate change and human intervention, including extensive water diversion projects, has threatened the existence of many villages within the Indus Delta over the past decade.
In response to these challenges, the Pakistani government has launched the Green Pakistan Initiative, seeking billion in investments from partners including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This multifaceted plan aims to cultivate an additional 1.5 million acres of barren land and mechanize existing agricultural practices across the nation. This initiative not only demonstrates international cooperation for sustainable development but also aims to revitalize agriculture within the region.
However, concerns linger regarding the environmental implications of such ambitious projects. Critics warn that diverting water resources for new irrigation systems may exacerbate existing water scarcity issues, particularly affecting the delicate ecosystems of Sindh and Balochistan.
Historically, the Indus River has sustained human civilizations for millennia, yet practices established during colonial times disrupted its natural flow, paving the way for significant ecological decline. Current experts emphasize the urgent need for sustainable water management practices to restore the health of the Indus Delta and protect the communities that depend on it.
At the heart of this narrative is a community enduring shifts in livelihood that have forced many to adapt from agriculture to fishing. As evidenced by local voices like Nathi Mallah, who now forages for razor shell, the struggle for survival continues amid changing environmental conditions. The traditional fishing techniques, once adequate to sustain families, have become increasingly competitive as more residents turn to the sea for their livelihood.
The challenges confronting the Indus Delta are emblematic of broader issues affecting vulnerable ecosystems worldwide. As communities like those in Thatta strive for resilience, the cooperation between nations plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable development and safeguarding the rich cultural heritage embodied in their customs and practices.
This ongoing struggle against natural and human-induced changes serves not only as a narrative of loss but also as a powerful story of adaptation, resilience, and hope.
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