Sindh’s water crisis and the illegality of the new canals on the Indus
Water has always been a lifeline for Sindh, with the River Indus serving as its primary source of sustenance, agriculture, and livelihood. However, recent developments in water distribution have intensified concerns for the province, as the construction of six new canals over the Indus threatens its rightful share of water.
This move is not only unjust but also illegal, raising alarms about the deprivation of Sindh’s water and the long-term consequences for its people.
Sindh’s Water Crisis: A Man-Made Disaster
Sindh has been facing severe water shortages for years. Farmers struggle to irrigate their lands, drinking water supplies are diminishing, and the Indus Delta—once thriving with aquatic life—is now drying up.
The primary reason behind this crisis is the continuous diversion of Indus water upstream, depriving Sindh of its rightful flow.
The construction of new canals over the river only exacerbates this injustice, further tightening the grip of water scarcity on the province.
Despite Sindh’s constitutional and historical rights over the Indus, water is being redirected to other regions without considering the devastating impact on Sindh’s agriculture and environment.
Farmers in lower Sindh, particularly in districts like Badin, Thatta, and Sujawal, are experiencing the worst consequences, as their lands are turning barren due to insufficient water flow.
The Indus Delta, once a natural protector against sea intrusion, is shrinking, allowing seawater to encroach further into Sindh’s fertile lands.
The Illegality of New Canals
The construction of these six new canals violates the 1991 Water Accord, which was meant to ensure a fair distribution of Indus water among all provinces.
Sindh has repeatedly raised concerns that these projects are being initiated without its consent, undermining its legal share of water.
The accord clearly states that no new water projects should be built that affect the allocated shares of other provinces.
Yet, these canals are being developed in blatant disregard for the agreement, depriving Sindh of its rightful share.
Moreover, the construction of these canals over the Indus goes against international water laws, which emphasize equitable distribution and ecological balance.
Diverting more water from the Indus will further damage Sindh’s environment, leading to food insecurity, the migration of farming communities, and irreversible damage to the ecosystem.
A Political and Economic Agenda at Sindh’s Cost
The push for these canals appears to be politically motivated, favoring certain regions at the cost of Sindh’s survival. Instead of addressing Sindh’s growing water crisis, authorities are prioritizing projects that serve vested interests.
The economic cost of this water theft is enormous—Sindh’s agricultural sector, which depends heavily on the Indus, is being crippled, forcing farmers into financial ruin.
The people of Sindh have repeatedly protested against this injustice, demanding an end to unauthorized water projects.
However, their voices have continued to be ignored as powerful stakeholders push forward with their plans, disregarding the devastating impact on millions of lives.
The Way Forward: Protecting Sindh’s Water Rights
Sindh’s water rights must be protected at all costs. The illegal construction of these canals should be immediately halted, and an independent inquiry should be conducted to assess the violations of the 1991 Water Accord.
Furthermore, the federal and provincial governments must take urgent measures to ensure Sindh receives its fair share of water before irreversible damage is done.
The people of Sindh have the right to their water, their land, and their future. The Indus is not just a river—it is the soul of Sindh, and any attempt to divert its flow unlawfully is an attack on the province itself.
If this injustice continues, Sindh’s water crisis will escalate into a humanitarian disaster, one that could have been prevented if fairness and legality had been upheld.