KARACHI:
Recurring and intense floods are a major feature of climate change. However, poor management, negligence, and inefficient and lethargic attitudes of the concerned authorities have multiplied the impact of climate change on some of the most vulnerable groups. Dadu faces a two-pronged threat as the river on the eastern side poses the risk of flooding and on the Western side, torrential stream poses the threat of flash floods.
The authorities should have learnt some lessons from the past disasters, but each stroke of deluge drains away the little iota of empathy and efficiency from the concerned departments. Global organisations have long warned Pakistan of its vulnerability to climate change and excessive flooding. But our leaders remained largely undeterred and reassured residents in vulnerable regions that they will be evacuated to safe places. Last year’s flood exposed their hollow promises and called for immediate action. Yet almost a year later, little has changed. Many locals have urged district administration to drain Manchar Lake of excess water and perhaps find a way to link the lake to the Indus River. Unfortunately, though, people’s calls have fallen on deaf ears.
As usual, politicians seldom involve professional engineers and urban planners to design drainage systems. The result is unsustainable and inoperational drainage lines. With the prediction of heavy rains in the coming days, Sindh’s climate-vulnerable residents find themselves under extreme distress and anxiety because they are not prepared to cope with another bout of floods. Despite receiving significant financial assistance from international organisations and countries, the Sindh government did not allocate any funds to rehabilitating flood-affected areas and equipping them with the means to deal with forth-coming rains. It seems that they are not interested in helping or supporting the people but only looking to make quick bucks from the miseries of the vulnerable.
Gulsher Panhwer
Johi
Published in The Express Tribune, May 3rd, 2023.
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