indh’s coastal belt has long supported commerce, dynasties, cultural pursuits, agriculture and aquaculture. However, it is now facing a crisis due to non-availability of safe potable water. Seasonal cultivation has also been affecte4d. In some areas, people have to use canal water or contaminated ground water for drinking.

While visiting Thatto, Sujawal and Badin districts, I came across many villagers who shared their stories with me.

Clad in a Sindhi shalwar qamees and wearing a Sindhi cap, Babu Lashari, 70, said he had finished primary school. He recalled that his village was once named after his elders. It now bears his name. The Babu Lashari village in Sukhpoor union council, in Mirpur Sakiro taluko, in Thatto district was established 70 to 80 years ago. It lack access to electricity, internet and safe water supply. Sitting on a wooden structure near his autaq, Babu said there were around 30 households in the village, a population of nearly 225 people, including 90-95 children. He said there was no clean water, high school or playground for the children. The only primary school was in a very bad state and attracted very few children.

An International Fund for Agriculture Development report from September 2024 on Sindh Coastal Resilience Project, found that “Badin, Sujawal and Thatta districts are considered the poorest in the province with 84 percent multi-dimensional poverty. Only 16 percent of the households own land. Women and youth are particularly disadvantaged due to low skills and literacy levels and lack of a say in community and household decision-making.”

In Badin district, I met Khuda Dino Bhanwryo, who was quite vocal regarding the........

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