Book Review: A Case of the Indus River
The River is life, and Sindh will remain as long as the Indus flows
Book ‘A Case of the Indus River’, authored by writer and political activist Nawaz Khan Zoar, is a compilation of his articles
Farooq Sargani
‘A Case of the Indus River’ is authored by renowned poet, novelist, writer, and political activist Nawaz Khan Zoar, who has been organizing protests for the protection of the natural flow of the Indus River in Sindh. The book consists of various researchable articles published in a Sindhi newspaper.
In these articles, he discusses the journey of the mighty Indus River over the centuries, starting from the glaciers of Tibet, entering disputed Kashmir, passing through Punjab, and finally flowing into Sindh before meeting the sea. However, the river’s natural flow has been obstructed by a series of dams, canals, and bridges. During the British Raj, water was commodified, leading to the introduction of a so-called modern irrigation system in Punjab and Sindh.
From the British era onward, the elite class in Punjab sought control over the Indus River’s waters, leading to significant diversion. The British attempted to address water conflicts but ultimately failed. This water shortage now threatens the livelihoods, ecology, and biodiversity of Sindh.
According to Zoar, “The Indus water system has a sufficient amount of water, but Punjab is grabbing more water.” Consequently, Sindh faces a water shortage, which is not a natural scarcity but one manufactured by political decisions.
Historically, the people of Sindh have opposed water accords that favor Punjab. Despite the collective consciousness rising against this injustice, Punjab, the federation, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) have failed to address the concerns of the Sindhi people. Zoar states, “All the tributaries of the Indus River have a right to reach and meet with the Indus. The construction of dams or canals upon the tributaries has exacerbated the issue, as seen with the dams built by China in Tibet and Afghanistan on the Kabul River.”
Zoar argues that there should be a water accord involving the Pakistani government, China, and Afghanistan. He highlights that Sindh’s lack of independence makes it vulnerable to the illegal damming of the Indus River by neighboring countries. Most of his articles emphasize the negative impact of dams on the natural free flow of rivers. He believes, “We need sweet water and a prosperous life instead of dams.”
Moreover, many bureaucrats, the elite class, and even the federal government regard the water below the Kotri downstream as wasted, justifying the construction of new dams, canals, and bridges. However, Zoar contends that the water downstream from the Kotri barrage is not wasted; it is essential for nature, the environment, and the ecosystem. If more than 15 million acre-feet (MAF) of water cannot be sent downstream annually from Kotri, it will lead to catastrophic consequences for the coastal communities of Sindh.
Even groundwater has become undrinkable, leaving people without safe drinking water and leading to various illnesses in Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, and the coastal areas of Karachi. This situation represents a grave challenge against nature, one that the government cannot rectify.
Zoar contends, “They are planning to capture all the water of Sindh, and a big reason for the shortage is the continuous stealing of Sindh’s water.” He asserts that not only the federal government but also the provincial government and local feudal lords in Sindh are complicit, forcibly diverting the remaining water for their lands.
Nawaz Khan Zoar mentions, “The River is life, and Sindh will remain as long as the Indus flows.”
In my opinion, we must unite in the struggle to save the Indus River. This can only happen if a sufficient amount of water flows below the Kotri barrage and all plans to construct dams and canals are dismissed. Rivers are vital to the natural environment, the life cycles of humans, animals, Indus dolphins, birds, and more. However, the ruling class of Pakistan continues to steal the water of the Indus River.
Read: Sindh’s Battle for the Indus
__________________
The reviewer is a freelance writer and student of history at the University of Karachi.
