he Indus Delta, a critical biodiversity hotspot and socio-economic hub, faces severe ecological degradation due to reduced freshwater flows and accelerating seawater intrusion.

Ecological reports, including analyses of satellite imagery from 1972 to 2017, document alarming shoreline retreat, particularly at Sir Creek, Wari Creek, Khobar Creek and Daboo Creek. This degradation threatens unique species and disrupts the livelihoods of communities in coastal districts like Thatta, Badin and Sujawal.

From its headwaters to the sea, the Indus River supports a complex web of life. Its freshwater channels, wetlands and riverine forests host a wealth of biodiversity, including the iconic Indus River dolphin. As one of the world’s rarest freshwater cetaceans, this dolphin is perfectly adapted to the turbid waters, using sophisticated echolocation to navigate and hunt.

Where the river meets the Arabian Sea, the Indus Delta’s mangrove forests take on a critical role. Acting as a natural buffer, they shield the coastline from erosion and storm surges while mitigating saline intrusion. Furthermore, these mangroves provide vital breeding grounds for fish and crustaceans, sustaining both marine populations and the fisheries that coastal communities depend upon.

The delta’s ecosystem depends on a delicate balance of freshwater and saltwater to sustain its biodiversity. The 1991 Water Apportionment Accord mandated a minimum environmental flow of 10 million acre-feet to be released downstream of Kotri Barrage to sustain the delta. However, this allocation has not been........

© The News on Sunday