Indus River is the Lifeline of Agriculture, Economy, and People of Sindh
Abdullah Usman Morai
Sustainable agriculture is founded on three essential pillars: land, seeds, and water. The absence of any one of these fundamental elements jeopardizes not only food security but also the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices. In Pakistan, the Indus River serves as the backbone of the national agricultural economy. However, for the province of Sindh, the significance of this river extends beyond agriculture—it is deeply woven into the region’s social, economic, and cultural fabric.
Sindh’s Deep Connection to the Indus River
Sindh, historically an agrarian province, depends heavily on the Indus River to sustain its farmlands, communities, and economy. The river is not just a source of irrigation; it is the very heart and veins of Sindh, sustaining life across the region. Any intervention that disrupts the natural flow of the Indus—such as canal construction or water diversions—poses a grave threat, potentially leaving Sindh like a body deprived of its vital organs. Such disruptions could create profound socio-economic challenges, exacerbating poverty, food insecurity, and environmental degradation.
Geographically, Sindh is uniquely vulnerable. The province is flanked by the Thar Desert to the east and a mountainous range to the west, leaving only the central plains suitable for agriculture. This limited fertile land is entirely dependent on the Indus River. Without a stable and sufficient water supply, Sindh’s agricultural output, which supports millions of livelihoods, would suffer immensely.
Water Scarcity and Groundwater Dependency
The availability of clean drinking water in Sindh is already a pressing concern. Municipal water supplies are scarce, and most households rely on private groundwater extraction through borewells and pumping systems. However, groundwater reserves are largely replenished by the Indus River. If the river’s flow diminishes due to upstream diversions, the natural process of groundwater recharge will be severely compromised. This could lead to a water crisis, affecting not just agriculture but also domestic consumption and industrial activities.
Furthermore, over-extraction of groundwater in the absence of river replenishment can result in increased salinity and land degradation, rendering agricultural fields barren over time. This poses an existential threat to the people of Sindh, many of whom rely on subsistence farming and local food production for survival.
Environmental and Ecological Consequences
The Indus River is not just an economic asset; it is also an ecological treasure. It supports a vast and diverse ecosystem, including wetlands, forests, and wildlife. The river’s steady flow is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, sustaining fisheries, and preserving the natural balance of the region. Any large-scale human intervention, such as the construction of new canals or water diversion projects, disrupts this delicate ecosystem, leading to soil erosion, loss of aquatic habitats, and declining fish populations—directly affecting communities that rely on fishing as a livelihood.
Climate change has already intensified water scarcity challenges, with unpredictable rainfall patterns and increasing temperatures affecting river flow. In this context, any additional human-induced water reductions could have devastating consequences, further exacerbating environmental degradation and economic hardship.
Sindh’s Demand for the Indus River’s Continuous Flow
Given its absolute dependence on the Indus, Sindh has consistently advocated for the uninterrupted flow of the river throughout the year. The people of Sindh recognize that without the Indus, their province faces an uncertain future—one marked by drought, agricultural collapse, economic downturn, and worsening living conditions.
The province has called for policies that ensure fair and sustainable water distribution, respecting the natural rights of downstream communities. A well-balanced approach to water management must consider not just the demands of various provinces but also the long-term ecological and human consequences of any modifications to the river’s natural course.
Conclusion
The Indus River is more than just a water source for Sindh—it is its lifeline. Any attempts to divert or reduce its flow threaten the very existence of the province’s agricultural system, economy, and daily life. The depletion of river water will not only disrupt agriculture but will also leave millions of people struggling for access to drinking water, jeopardizing food security and economic stability.
For Sindh, the demand is clear: the Indus River must continue to flow naturally and sustain life as it has for centuries. Without it, Sindh faces an uncertain and perilous future, one that could irreversibly alter the landscape, livelihood, and heritage of its people.
Read: Indus River: ChatGPT Endorses Concerns and Rights of Sindh
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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.
