The Cry of River Indus: A Fight for Water or Survival?
(March 14 – World Rivers Day: Sindh’s Voice to the World)
By Abdul Ghafoor Sarohi
As the world celebrates World Rivers Day on March 14, talking about nature and water preservation, River Indus, the lifeline of Sindh, cries out: “Let me reach Sindh!
This is the river that gave birth to Sindh’s civilization, agriculture, economy, and life itself. But today, federal injustice and Punjab’s dominance have deprived Sindh of its rightful share of water.
River Indus – A River Without Sindh?
Although River Indus is named after Sindh, it is being stopped upstream before reaching its natural path.
According to the 1945 Water Agreement, Sindh must receive its due share of water – but this right is violated daily.
Link canals (Chashma-Jhelum, Taunsa-Panjnad, etc.) steal Sindh’s water for Punjab.
Even IRSA (Indus River System Authority) has become a tool to suppress Sindh’s rights.
The Farmers’ Struggle for Every Drop
Feudal lords, political elites, and water mafias have hijacked canals and distributaries, leaving poor farmers desperate.
Thousands of illegal lift machines rob small growers of their share.
Sindh’s farmers are crying out for every drop of water.
Deadly Dams – A Conspiracy Against Sindh
Projects like Kalabagh Dam, Diamer Bhasha, and Skardu Dams are nothing less than death sentences for Sindh.
No dam should be built without Sindh’s consent – this is a matter of constitutional and human rights.
Sea Intrusion – The Silent Killer of Sindh’s Lands
Thousands of acres in Thatta, Badin, Sujawal are destroyed by sea intrusion, due to lack of freshwater flow.
Once fertile lands are now salty wastelands.
Environmental Catastrophe – Dying Lakes and Wildlife
Manchar, Keenjhar, Haleji lakes are drying up.
Fish, birds, and local flora are facing extinction.
Massive ecological collapse is looming over Sindh.
Sindh’s Demands – Justice for Water
1. Sindh must receive its full share of water as per agreements.
2. A new, fair, and transparent water distribution system must be established.
3. All link canals diverting Sindh’s water must be shut down.
4. Stop all dam projects threatening Sindh’s survival.
5. Take strict action against water mafias and illegal lift machines.
6. Present Sindh’s case globally for justice and human rights.
Sindh’s Warning – “Give Us Water, or Take Our Lives!”
> “Give Sindh its rightful water share!”
“The Indus River is Sindh’s lifeline!”
“If you stop our water, Sindh will rise!”
This is Sindh’s truth on World Rivers Day – a cry that the world must hear!
