Sardar Shah demands inclusion of groundwater reserves in Irsa accord

Sindh Minister for Education, Mines and Minerals Syed Sardar Ali Shah, while addressing the audience after inaugurating a two-day “Sindh Literature Festival” in Karachi on Saturday, said Sindh has faced injustices under the Irsa accord and is currently grappling with severe water shortages.

He pointed out that the Irsa accord has only addressed surface water, but the time has come to demand accountability for groundwater as well. He urged the inclusion of groundwater usage in the Irsa accord, emphasizing that past flawed decisions by the federal government have rendered Sindh’s groundwater unusable.

Shah called upon the federal government to equitably distribute all usable water resources across the country. He highlighted that water experts have recommended releasing one million cusecs of water into the sea annually to prevent disasters. Neglecting this could lead to the submergence of Badin, Thatta, and Sujawal, and by 2060, Karachi could also come under the influence of seawater. He emphasized that the Indus River faces major challenges due to the ongoing practice of constructing barrages and dams for decades.

The minister recalled that the British initiated the first dam under the guise of irrigation, laying the foundation for restricting the river’s natural flow. While barrages were built, the river’s natural flow was diverted into canals, blocking natural waterways and causing floods. He stressed that natural waterways should never have been obstructed.

He said that when three rivers were sold, the Indus River lost 25% of its water. In 1965, the Indus Waters Treaty was signed, selling Punjab’s three rivers to India, leading to the destruction of the vast delta spread over millions of acres. The river, which used to carry silt to the sea for centuries, has been severely impacted, advancing the sea further inland. The destruction of the delta is a warning sign that the rest of Sindh may also face devastation due to the lack of water, he added.

The minister pointed out that Sindh has 12 million acres of arable land, but in summer, only 4.5 million acres can be cultivated due to water shortages. He warned that if more canals are constructed, water will not reach downstream areas like Guddu.

He also highlighted the importance of forums like the Literature Festival, which provide opportunities for youth to engage in discussions and learn. He noted that the seventh edition of the festival is unique as it includes discussions on the case of the Indus River, which he described as vital for Sindh’s survival. He firmly stated that no compromise would be made on the Indus River.

Lastly, he remarked that literary activities promote tolerance and inclusivity, which has played a crucial role in curbing extremism in Sindh. This progress has been possible due to the cultural dynamism in the province.