The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum is a non-governmental organization that works to advance the goal of social, economic, cultural and political rights of small scale indigenous fisher communities in Pakistan. more
Highlighting Issue of the Indus Delta
The Indus Delta is the 7th largest delta in the world having 17 Creeks. It spreads on 52800 Sq/k.m extending from Karachi to Run of Kush. But it has lost its wealth and life due to state’s water management policies and ignorant attitude not only towards lower riparian but also to the significance of delta and it ecosystem. The major causes of degradation are cuts, barrages, dams and diversions on Indus River. These constructions have reduced the inflow of fresh water into Indus Deltaic region. The death of delta is not a problem of its own but death of fishing culture, ecology and destruction of livelihoods of local fishers and peasants.
PFF took this issue and highlighted at appropriate level. The highlighting of this issue proved stimulant for civil society organizations and political parties. They also took part in the struggle of restoration of Indus delta. Currently, a fair number of organizations are endeavoring for the life of it. However, PFF is not satisfied with the strategies of those organizations because PFF believes in the fact that degradation of Indus delta is a political issue and requires political campaign. Indus delta will never get back to its life until, 37MAF water is not sent to it. And brining water to it requires political pressure on the bureaucracy that controls the waters and provides it to feudal lords.
PFF with full responsibility and seriousness made this issue part of other discourses that were taking place in spheres of civil society. It made the communities, media and other stakeholders aware of the issue. It took the foreign delegates to the delta and exposed to them the havoc of water management which were even not known to the country fellow. PFF got published the research reports pertaining to the Indus Delta and ill-effects of its depletion in Sindhi, Urdu and English languages.
PFF sensitized the national and international environmental experts. It sent pictures of the delta’s degradation to Spain for a photo exhibition. In that exhibition, PFF earned fifth position amongst 20 countries representing 25 waters.
