Water justice

As the lower riparian region in the Indus River System, Sindh's social, economic, cultural, and ecological fabric is tied to the uninterrupted and equitable flow of the river. It is no exaggeration to call the Indus the jugular vein of Sindh. Sindh, being the lower riparian, is at the receiving end of the water distribution chain. This geographical reality places Sindh in a vulnerable position, especially when upstream water withdrawals or diversions are made without adequate consultation or regard for downstream needs. The dynamic between upper and lower riparian provinces has long been contentious. Decisions like the construction of dams have faced fierce opposition from Sindh, which sees such moves as direct threats to its water share and survival.

Sindh argues that any upstream control structure reduces downstream flows, harms agriculture, exacerbates desertification and accelerates sea intrusion into fertile deltaic lands. But upper riparians often cite increasing agricultural demand and storage needs to justify such projects. The spirit of federalism demands that upper riparian provinces acknowledge the needs and rights of the lower riparian regions. Equitable water distribution, grounded in constitutionalism and mutual respect, is the only way forward to prevent environmental collapse and provincial discord.

Sajjad Hussain Cheehani

Khairpur Mirs