Impact of vanishing Indus on culture, environment discussed

A thought-provoking and academic session titled "The Vanishing Indus River and its Impact on Sindh's Environment and Cultural Heritage" was held at Basant Hall Cultural Centre.

Environmental experts, researchers, intellectuals, and historians discussed the gradual drying up of the Indus River and its profound effects on Sindh's civilization, environment, and collective consciousness.

Folk singers gave a painstaking presentation of verses from Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's Sur Samoondi, which presented the river as a spiritual and cultural symbol instead of just a flow of water.

Visual anthropologist Atta Chanhiyo shed light on the ancient history of the Indus River, highlighting the mutual relationship between the Sindh and Saraswati civilizations.

Referring to the ancient flow of the river, Dhoro Naro, Chanhiyo explained how the river's shifting and shrinking affected human populations, gave rise to migration and changed the entire cultural landscape.

He said that the rise and fall of civilizations in this region have been deeply linked to environmental changes.

Eminent scholar and educationist Dr. Muhammad Ali Manjhi shed light on the cultural significance of the Indus River in the context of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai's poetry. He explained through the book how the river is a central symbol in the social life, moral consciousness and spiritual thought of Sindh, which is not only a source of water but also a symbol of continuity, sustenance and identity.

Marine environment researcher Amir Bizal Khan speaking on the current environmental crisis created in the Indus River Delta said that due to severe shortage of fresh water, water is entering the sea, mangroves are being destroyed and the fishing communities living in the coastal areas are suffering, there are risks.

. The famous tourist and historian Salman Rashid described the Indus River as an important trade and cultural route in ancient times.