Introduction
The Indus River, the lifeline of Pakistan, is once again under threat, not by natural causes, but by the very hands of those meant to protect the nation’s interests. The recent construction of six new canals on the Indus River—without constitutional justification and in violation of existing legal frameworks—has sparked outrage, particularly among the people of Sindh. This development not only undermines the 1991 Water Accord but also poses severe threats to Sindh’s agriculture, environment, and water security. In this article, we explore the illegality of the newly constructed canals, the environmental and socio-political consequences, and why the federal and provincial governments must halt these activities immediately.
Violation of the 1991 Water Accord
The 1991 Water Accord, signed by all four provinces of Pakistan, was designed to equitably distribute the waters of the Indus River System. It provides clear guidelines regarding the allocation of water resources and prohibits the construction of any new irrigation infrastructure that might alter the agreed distribution. The unilateral construction of six new canals is a blatant violation of this agreement, breaching the trust among provinces and setting a dangerous precedent of ignoring constitutional commitments.
Under this accord, Sindh is entitled to a specific share of water based on historical usage and future needs. The construction of new canals in upstream regions deprives Sindh of its due share, severely affecting agricultural productivity and drinking water availability in the province. The federal government has failed to consult the stakeholders, especially Sindh’s representatives, making this move not only unconstitutional but also undemocratic.
Legal Infractions and Governance Breakdown
In addition to breaching the Water Accord, the construction of these canals lacks legal clearance from key regulatory and environmental authorities, including the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), which is responsible for monitoring water distribution. The IRSA has not issued any approval for such projects, nor have environmental assessments been conducted, which are mandatory under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act.
Furthermore, there has been no parliamentary debate or legislative process to approve the reallocation of water resources or to authorize infrastructure on this scale. These actions represent a breakdown in governance and institutional integrity, setting a precedent that federal and provincial institutions can bypass legal processes for political or economic gain.
Environmental Implications for Sindh
The environmental impact of these illegal canals cannot be overstated. Sindh, being the lower riparian province, already faces the brunt of water scarcity due to upstream diversion. The Indus Delta, one of the largest arid mangrove ecosystems in the world, has been rapidly degrading due to insufficient freshwater flows. The new canals threaten to further reduce the already scarce water reaching the delta, accelerating saltwater intrusion, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.
Furthermore, the decreased river flow disrupts natural sediment deposition essential for the fertility of lower Sindh’s agricultural lands. Without this sediment, the productivity of crops diminishes, increasing food insecurity and poverty in the region. The construction of additional canals upstream would also escalate the desertification process in Sindh’s southern regions, forcing mass migrations and furthering socio-economic inequality.
Socio-Economic Impact on Sindh’s Population
Agriculture is the backbone of Sindh’s economy, and it is heavily reliant on the Indus River. A reduction in water availability directly affects crop yields, farmers’ incomes, and the overall economy. As canals divert water away from Sindh, thousands of farmers and laborers will lose their livelihoods, pushing them into extreme poverty.
Water scarcity will also affect urban centers, where drinking water availability is already a concern. With major cities like Hyderabad, Sukkur, and even parts of Karachi depending on the Indus River for water supply, the construction of illegal canals could precipitate a public health crisis.
Political and Civil Resistance
The reaction from Sindh has been one of fierce resistance. Lawyers, civil society members, political parties, and farmers have united to protest the canal constructions. Rallies and strikes have been organized across the province, with lawyers marching under banners stating “No More Canals on Indus River.”
This resistance is not merely symbolic; it represents a unified cry against federal overreach and the erosion of provincial rights. Sindh’s historical and cultural identity is tied to the Indus River, and any attempt to weaken its control over the river’s waters is viewed as a direct attack on its autonomy.
Why the Government Must Act Now
- Legal Compliance: The government must respect the 1991 Water Accord and constitutional provisions that safeguard inter-provincial equity. Immediate cessation of canal construction and an independent judicial inquiry are necessary.
- Environmental Protection: Comprehensive environmental impact assessments must be mandated and published. Any project that harms the Indus Delta should be rejected outright.
- Inclusive Policy Making: All provinces must be consulted before any changes are made to water allocations. Transparency in decision-making processes is critical to rebuilding trust.
- Sustainable Development: Instead of constructing new canals, the government should invest in water conservation technologies, repair existing infrastructure, and promote equitable distribution of water through efficient practices.
- Respect for Federalism: This crisis underscores the need to reinforce the principles of federalism in Pakistan. The voices of smaller provinces must be heard and respected, not ignored.
Conclusion
The construction of six new canals on the Indus River is not only illegal but dangerously short-sighted. It threatens the environment, the economy, and the unity of Pakistan. The federal and provincial governments must immediately halt these projects and re-evaluate their water management strategies through a lens of justice, sustainability, and constitutional integrity.
Sindh must not be sacrificed for short-term political or economic gains. The Indus River is not merely a body of water—it is a lifeline, a heritage, and a right. And the people of Sindh are prepared to defend it with every legal, democratic, and peaceful means available.
#NoMoreCanals #SaveSindh
