As general elections approach, the concern for fundamental rights in Sindh remains paramount. Every other year, Sindh faces either disastrous floods or droughts; yet there is no firm commitment from policymakers to provide a lasting solution to end the cycle of migration for Sindh’s rural communities. There is a serious need to address climate-related challenges facing Sindh in 2024.

Sindh faces a myriad of climate-related challenges. The province witnesses heavy floods that devastate communities, erode agricultural lands and displace countless families. Simultaneously, recurring droughts create water scarcity issues, affecting both urban and rural populations. Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns exacerbate the vulnerabilities of the region, necessitating proactive and comprehensive strategies.

People suffer during floods due to a lack of funds and proper planning. When floodwaters ravage communities, the consequences are devastating. Families lose their homes, livelihoods are destroyed and lives are lost. The psychological impact of climate-caused devastation further compounds the issue.

The current paradigm of flood rehabilitation reflects past failures. Should another flood ravage these lands in the near future, rural communities will find themselves trapped in the same cycle of suffering.

This time, the public should consider long-lasting solutions and demand permanent improvements, such as better flood protection, household models, elevated quality link roads, multi-structured classrooms for schools and livelihood opportunities for the affected population, rather than an exclusive reliance on cash transfer programmes like the BISP. By prioritising sustainable development initiatives for securing future risks, we can ensure lasting progress and prosperity for our communities for resilience building.

The government should actively promote green jobs as a first strategy and take effective steps to tackle climate change by prioritising risky areas identified in the disaster analysis. Climate enterprises and environment-friendly actions can provide vigorous support to disaster-prone regions in Sindh. By incentivising and investing in green initiatives, we can address climate challenges and create sustainable economic opportunities that benefit both people and the planet.

During heavy rainfall, desert areas also suffer critically. Lightning strikes pose a substantial threat to the people of Tharparkar and the desert region of Umerkot. Many human and animal lives are lost due to lightning strikes, especially in desert regions. Thari people demand the installation of earth rods at communal places to mitigate the risk of casualties and protect against the destructive impact of lightning strikes. These measures can help safeguard lives and livelihoods in vulnerable areas.

For sustainable development in the Thar area, tube wells are necessary. Access to water is a basic right. On the other side of the border, the Indian government has begun investing in climate enterprises to protect their desert regions from climate-related issues.

To ensure sustainable development and resilience, it is imperative that candidates vying for public office in 2024 make a meaningful commitment to tackle climate-related issues. This includes implementing policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, promoting renewable energy sources, and fostering community resilience to withstand environmental challenges.

As many communities are already struggling with poverty and inequality, each disaster worsens their plight, pushing them further into despair. In the absence of sustainable measures to mitigate the impact of floods or other disasters and address fundamental issues such as climate change and infrastructure deficiencies, the cycle of suffering persists.

It is important for voters to demand that candidates explicitly address climate change in their platforms. Politicians must go beyond mere rhetoric and make concrete promises and commitments to safeguard Sindh’s environment and its people from the adverse effects of climate change. Given the recurring water scarcity issues, they must devise strategies for efficient water resource management through the implementation of public-led policies that promote responsible water usage across agricultural and urban sectors.

The writer is based in Umerkot. He has more than 13 years of experience in the development sector. He can be reached at shewaram@live.com