Moving forward from the flood — II provides a useful analysis in understanding and preventing another future disaster.
KARACHI: Arif Belgaumi’s article “Moving forward from the flood — II” (October 13) provides a useful analysis in understanding the flood disaster and preventing another future disaster. Mass vulnerability and weak resilience of lives and livelihoods are indeed the outcome of arrogance and inequity. The Indus has proved again that ‘taming’ rivers is an illusion. Inequity in land ownership is the primary cause of mass suffering, including the burdens of embankment breaches by the powerful. Citizens would not need charity if their rights to secure livelihoods were protected.
Hence fundamental agrarian reforms should be the goal, which include the obvious redistribution of both private and state land for decent livelihoods and secure shelter. But these reforms should also include an emphasis on dismantling irrigation structures that exacerbate flood damage. This certainly means no more mega storage dams. Yes, Tarbela has provided much to the economy. Will the revenues and royalties from Tarbela be earmarked for those who have suffered from downstream floods? And what about those in the delta whose mass suffering began with the Sukkur Barrage?
A Ercelan
Published in The Express Tribune, October 14th, 2010.
