Historical Long March for the Restoration of Indus River and Rehabilitation of Indus Delta

Mr. Mohammad Ali Shah
Chairperson,
PFF Karachi

Subject: Invitation to Participate in the Historical Long March for the Restoration of Indus River and Rehabilitation of Indus Delta on 2nd to 14th March 2010, from Kharo Chaan to Almanzar Jamshoro

Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum believes that water is a basic human right, and not a commodity for earning profit or commercial ventures. It is a common natural resource and integral part of the heritage of all peoples, a common property right, particularly of the indigenous peoples and communities. Any violation of this fundamental right whether in the name of resource management or private profit is a serious crime against the humanity as well as the nature.

In Pakistan, we rely on our rivers for drinking water, irrigation, aquatic habitat, fisheries, energy generation, navigation, recreation and simply the natural beauty they bring to our environment. Pakistan government and its Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) have been building dams on River Indus and continuously diversions on upstream of the once mighty river.

The ambitious plan of water resources development in Pakistan envisages in vision 2025 is a clear indication that whatever the water comes in rivers will be diverted and utilized upstream. These policy decisions, which are politically rooted, would have even future serious implications for the poor and voiceless deltaic communities of Sindh province.

Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum is going to organize a historical Long March for the restoration of Indus River and Rehabilitation of Indus Delta, on 2nd March, from Kharo Chaan to Almanzar Jamshoro and will celebrate 14th March an international Rivers Day. PFF is inviting to all son of the soils, either who are growers, peasants, labors or Fishers etc. will participate in the Long March, to pay their contribution for the protection of natural resources for the future generations and restoration of Indus River and Rehabilitation of Indus Delta.

Theme of the Long March: Reclaim Our Rivers, Our Rights in 2010!

• Together, we will influence for better solutions to meet our water and energy needs than big, destructive dams
• Together, we will raise our voices to reclaim our rivers and our rights
• Together, we will raise our voices for “no more dams, no more diversions and no more cuts on Indus River.”
• Together, we will demand to release at least 35 Million Acre Feet (MAF) water downstream Kotri for protection of Indus Delta
• Together, we will raise our voices for adopting new water paradigm and restoration of Indus River
• Together, we will demand the decommission of existing dams on Indus River

Regards,

Mohammad Ali Shah
Chairperson