Safeguard water

This letter refers to the article ‘Law of equitable management’ (March 5, 2025) by Syed Mohibullah Shah. The writer highlights how the unchecked deterioration of the Indus Delta threatens not just the environment but also the socio-economic stability of millions. This demands immediate and decisive action from policymakers and stakeholders. The decreasing flow of freshwater beyond the Kotri Barrage has led to saltwater intrusion, rendering vast tracts of fertile land barren and displacing communities dependent on the river’s bounty. This alarming reality underscores the urgent need for immediate and decisive action. Recent controversies, such as those surrounding the ‘Six Canals’ project, reveal an apparent lack of transparency and cohesion.

A more inclusive and scientifically driven approach must be adopted, ensuring that all provinces receive their fair share without compromising the integrity of the delta. The principle of 'no-harm' development, as emphasised in the article, must be at the forefront of water management policies. Development at the cost of ecological destruction is not progress but a ticking time bomb that will lead to severe agricultural crises, food insecurity, and further climate-induced displacement.

Majid Burfat

Karachi