A few days ago, the local media revealed that a few fishermen in Sukkur were poisoning the waters of the Indus River near the Sukkur Barrage in an attempt to catch fresh water fish. Unfortunately, this is not the first time such a heinous crime has gone unimpeded by the Sindh Wildlife Department. Even the Sindh Irrigation Department appears to be in a deep slumber. This method of catching fish is prohibited across the world as the contaminated fish is unfit for human consumption. Furthermore, the poisoned water is dangerous to both aquatic wildlife and nearby residents who rely on the fresh water for drinking and irrigation. The vegetables and crops grown on poisoned water may prove detrimental to the health of consumers.
The continuous use of poison for hunting fish and the waste products, including tons of plastic bags, thoughtlessly drained into the Indus River expose large segments of the population to an eminent life threat. The Sindh government must immediately take steps to save the Indus River and all those who depend on it before it is too late.
Zaheer Sahito
Sukkur