The Indus Delta, one of the largest deltaic ecosystems in the world, is facing severe degradation due to seawater intrusion. The consequences of this phenomenon include the submersion of millions of acres of land, increased salinity in groundwater, and a scarcity of freshwater resources, severely impacting agriculture and drinking water availability in coastal areas of Pakistan.

Seawater intrusion has resulted in the submersion of vast tracts of land in the Indus Delta region. According to a 2019 study by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, approximately 2.2 million acres of fertile land have been rendered unproductive due to seawater encroachment.

Historical satellite imagery and field observations indicate that seawater intrusion has steadily progressed inland, particularly in districts such as Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal, which were once thriving agricultural zones. Additionally, research from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) highlights that coastal erosion has accelerated due to the reduced flow of freshwater, resulting in a loss of over 10,000 hectares of mangrove forests, a crucial natural barrier against seawater intrusion.

The groundwater in coastal regions has become highly saline, making it unsuitable for both drinking and irrigation purposes. Research conducted by the NIO reveals that nearly 80 per cent of shallow groundwater sources in the Indus Delta region contain saline water exceeding the WHO safe limit of 500 mg/L of total dissolved solids.

The degradation of the Indus Delta due to seawater intrusion is pushing millions toward displacement and water insecurity

Furthermore, soil tests conducted in deltaic areas indicate a sharp increase in soil salinity from less than 4dS/m in the........

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