THATTA: Environmentalists at the Sindh University Thatta campus have expressed grave concern over the destruction of the Indus Delta due to the non-supply of freshwater downstream of the Indus River, and the dangerous impact of aquatic and wildlife on the Indus Delta.

They appealed for further investigation and demanded that steps be taken to ensure the supply of water in the downstream to the required amount. In this regard, Coastal Studies Research Center of Sindh University Thatta Campus in collaboration with WWF organized a conference on Climate Change in Indus Delta.

Addressing the seminar, Pro Vince Chancellor Sindh University Thatta Campus Dr Rafiq Ahmed Memon, Director Coastal Research Studies Center Dr Mukhtiar Ahmed Mehr, Environmentalist Saeedul Islam, Fiza Shah, Saba Ayub, Waqas Ahmed, and others said that climate change, pollution rising and non-supply of freshwater to the sea through the Indus River below Kotri is having a dangerous environmental impact on the vast Indus Delta of Sindh.

On the one hand, the the sea is advancing and destroying the fertile land of the Delta as well as the forests of mangrove. The Zulfiqarabad project and other projects in the name of development have severely affected the wildlife and aquatic life in the Delta. The experts said that out of 123 countries, the delta of Sindh has reached the number one position in terms of mangrove, while out of 8 varieties of mangrove, only 4 varieties remain, which do not even grow plants.

They called on the World Environment Organization (WHO) to conduct an investigation into the destruction of fertile lands, deforestation, and environmental impacts of sea-level rise in the Indus Delta and urged the federal government and IRSA to take immediate action. The experts appealed the government takes steps to ensure the supply of freshwater downstream below.

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