Nareri Lake’s silent decline

Local fisherman Aslam Mallah laments, “We used to make a decent living catching fish from the lake, but now it feels like there is nothing left for us. Even the fish have abandoned us. We don’t know where else to go or what to do to support our families”.

Aslam goes on: “There are two many reasons: one is Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD), and the other climate change”. His words reflect the despair of many who have seen their way of life undone in the face of environmental decline.

Once a lively nature preserve for thousands of migratory birds, Nareri Lake in Badin now stands devastated. The lake, which was a valued stop for a varied array of bird species migrating from colder weathers, is now losing its natural attraction owing to a complex web of ecological and socio-economic factors. This decline not only affects the regional biodiversity but also impacts local communities who have long depended on the lake for fishing, a vital part of their incomes.

The decreasing of migratory birds at Nareri Lake is an indicator of the harsh realities of climate change in the region. The lake has historically provided a critical habitat for birds coming from the severe winters of Central Asia, Siberia, and other northern regions. These birds travel thousands of miles to settle temporarily in the lake’s lush waters, seeking sustenance and a safe resting spot during their long journeys.

However, because of changes in climate patterns, the ecosystem of Nareri Lake has suffered a great deal. Due to decreasing water levels, the lake has become less habitable, offering reduced vegetation and fewer resources to support the bird populations it once drew in plenty.

Migratory birds, being extremely sensitive to climate and environmental changes, have shown an absolute fall in their numbers in the region. As a result, species that were once common visitors, such as Demoiselle cranes, flamingos, pelicans, and cranes, are rarely seen. This non-appearance indicates a profound loss in biodiversity, depriving the region of the ecological benefits these birds brought, from pest control to nutrient cycling in the lake’s ecosystem.

The environmental challenges spread beyond the migratory birds and affected the lake’s once-thriving fishing industry. Nareri Lake, which was known for its ample fish populations, served as a vital source of income for local fishing communities.

For generations, these families depended on the lake’s fish stocks as a primary means of nutrition and livelihood. However, as water levels dropped and the lake’s health deteriorated, fish populations also declined dramatically. This depletion is linked to both environmental stress and overfishing practices exacerbated by a lack of regulation, pushing the lake’s ecosystem past its breaking point.

Achar Mallah, a fisherman from the community, explains, “The birds brought us fish, and the lake brought us life. It was all connected, like a chain. Now, with no water and no birds, we are suffering. Our nets come up empty, and the young people have no future here.”

The collapse of local fisheries has driven many families to economic hardship, with few viable alternatives for income in the region. These once self-sustaining communities are now battling poverty, facing food insecurity, and struggling to make ends meet. What was once a self-reliant community thriving on the lake’s resources is now mired in poverty, with youth increasingly moving to urban areas in search of work, fragmenting the social fabric of these communities.

The situation at Nareri Lake reflects a broader crisis affecting Pakistan’s coastal ecosystems. Wetlands and lakes, like Nareri, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, serving as breeding grounds for fish and wildlife, acting as natural flood buffers, and supporting diverse plant species. The decline of such habitats endangers the coastal ecosystem of southern Pakistan, affecting everything from water quality to soil fertility.

Given the economic and ecological importance of Nareri Lake, there is an urgent need for intervention. Environmental restoration efforts, such as improving water management and addressing overfishing through sustainable practices, could help revive the lake’s biodiversity. Moreover, community-driven conservation programs could empower local residents to take an active role in preserving their natural heritage, potentially restoring their livelihoods.

Rahim Mallah, a respected elder of the fishing community, highlights the importance of government intervention: “If the government does not step in to save the lake, we will be forced to leave. Our ancestors lived here because the lake sustained us. Without it, we are nothing.” His call to action emphasises the community’s dependence on Nareri Lake as both a source of sustenance and a foundation of their cultural identity.

The writer is an assistant director, Climate Change Adaptation at the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Islamabad.