Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage Need PDF

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Edited by: Sikander Brohi
Center For Information & Research

Indus Flow Downstream
Kotri Barrage
Need or Wastage?

Indus Flow Downstream
Kotri Barrage
Need or Wastage?
Edited by
Sikander Brohi
Snaurso Zur,rmnnAlr Bnurro lNsrrrurp Or

ScmNcn & TBcur.loI,ocY (SZAOIST)
CBNTBn ron INroRMATToN & RnsBancu
A 52dBI57 publication
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage:

Need or Wastage
Edited by
Sikander Brohi
copyright o ,zr8n7 2003
First published by SZAOISf:2003

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Contents
i. Acronyms vii
ii. Contributors ix
iii. Prelace xii
iv. lntroduction xiv
I Livelihood Resources Downstream Kotri Barrage 1
and their Degadation

Sikander Brohi
2 Water Requirement Downstream Kotri Barrage 23

Muhammad ldris Rajput
3 A Study on the Impact of Artificial Flood 35

Releases from Reservoirs on Downstream
Ecosystems and Dependent Livelihoods
Mohamnnd Tahir Qureshi
4 Death of the Delta 47

Arif Hassan
5 Flow Downstream Kotri: Need of a National 55

Roadmap
Syed Shnhid Hussain
6 Indus Delta Degradation: Loss of Natural Capital 67

Irfan Mufii
iv
Contents
7 Indus Delta Disaster & Coastal Communities 75

Mohammad Ali Shah
8 Degradation Downstream Kotri Barrage & Water 83

Accord
Imtiaz Hussain Kazi
9 Indus Delta: Degradation is a Natural Process 87

Javed Majid
10 lndus Flow Downstream Kotri & Role of IRSA 93

Nasar Ali Rajput
1l Water Availability & Needs Downstream Kotri 103

ANG Abbasi
12 Recognition of Indus Flow Downstream Kotri in ll7

Water Accord
Lt. General (Retd.) Zulfiktr Ali Khan
13 Rehabilitation of Natural Resources Downstream 123

Kotri Barrage
Dr. M. Suleman Shaikh
14 1ndex 131
ACRONYMS
ADB Asian Development Bank
BCM Billion Cubic Meters
BHU Basic Health Unit
BOR Board of Revenue
CBO Community Based Organization
CCI Council of Common lnterests
CCA Culturable Command Area
CIR Center for lnformation & Research
C.J Chashma Jhelum
DFO Divisional Forest Officer
ECC Economic Coordination Committee
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EOI Expression of Interest
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FAO Food & Agriculture Organization
FCS Fishermen Cooperative Society
FO Farmers Organization
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GNP Gross National Product
GOP Government of Pakistan
GOS Government of Sindh
HYV High Yielding Variety
I&PD krigation & Power Department
IBIS Indus Basin Irrigation System
ILO International Labour Organization
IRSA Indus River System Authority
IUCN International Union for the Conservation of
Nature
Karachi Port Trust
KWSB Karachi Water and Sewerage Board
LBOD Left Bank Outfall Drain
VIII
ACRONYMS
MAF Million Acre Feet
NDP National Drainage Program
NEC National Economic Council
NFC National Finance Commission
NRSP National Rural Support Program
O&M Operation & Maintenance
OFWM On Farm Water Management
OPP Orangi Pilot Project
PFF Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum
PIDA Provincial krigation & Drainage Authority
PIM Participatory Irrigation Management
PPM Parts per Million
RBOD Right Bank Outfall Drain
RHC Rural Health Center
SCARP Salinity Control & Land Reclamation project
SGA Sindh Graduates Associarion
SIDA Sindh Irrigation & Drainage Authority
SZABIST Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science
Technology
TOR Terms of Reference
T.P Taunsa Panjnad
UNDP United Nations Development Program
UNESCAP UN Economic & Social Commission for Asia &
Pacific
UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund
URC Urban Resource Center
WAPDA Water & Power Development Authority
WB World Bank
WCD World Commission on Dams
WHO Wodd Health Organization
WUA Water Users Association
WWF Worldwide Fund for Nature
CONTRIBUTORS
SIKANDER BROHI is Coordinator tarSrJT Center for Information &

Research. He has twelve years experience as a journalist,
researcher and community deyelopment professional. He worked
in various English, Urdu and Sindhi newspapers and magazines as
reporter, sub-editor and editor etc. He has to his credit a number of
research studies and deyelopment consultancies. He has also
written a number ofresearch articles in various English dailies.
MUHAMMAD IDRIS RAJPUT has served the Government of Sindh

for over 30 years in different capacities. He retired from
Govemment Service in 2001 as Secretary, Irrigation and power
Department Sindh. He has participated in various courses related
to water resources management in Indonesia, South Korea, Manila,
India, and USA etc.
MOHAMMED TAHIR QURESHI is Programme Director Sindh

Programme, IUCN Pakistan. He possesses over 25 years of
forestry experience, and has worked on a wide range of issues
related to forest management, plantation, social forestry, wildlife
management, and the preparation of working plans and feasibility
studies. He has cont buted Pakistan chapters in three International
Publications besides being author of a number of other
publications. He tas worked as a consultant for the Islamic
Development Bank and King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia
on their Mangrove Rchabilitation Projects.
ARIF HASSAN is an architectplanner in private practice in Karachi.

Since 1982, he has been involved with the Orangi pilot project
(OPP) and is the Chairman of the Urban Resource Center, Karachi,
since its inception in 1989. He has received a number of awards for
his work including the UN Year for the Shelterless Memorial
Award of the Japanese Goyernment (1990), the prince Claus
Award of the Netherlands' Government (2000), and the Hilal-i-
Imtiaz of the Government of Pakistan (2001). He is author of
several book on human settlements, ecology, and enyironment.
CONTRIBUTORS
SYED SHAHID HUSSAIN is Advocate at Lahore High Court. He has
served the Government of Pakistan in various capacities for over
37 years. His major postings include; Chief Secretary of
Balochistan, Secretary Ministry of Water & Power, Senior
Member Board of Revenue Balochistan, Chairman, Agriculture
Price Commission. He is regularly contributing research articles in
prestigious newspapers like Daily Dawn and The News, on various
issues of national importance.
IRFAN MUFTI is Program Manager at South Asia Partnership (SAP)

(Pakistan)- a consortium of Canadian and South Asian NGOs. He
is also the Founding Member of the SAP Pak. He is actively
involved in Policy Planning & Policy Advocacy at the national and
international level. He helped Governmen[ of Pakistan in
developing National Social Development Policy. He also has
played leading role in forming people-based moYements on various
issues.
MUHAMMAD ALI SHAH is Chairman Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum

(PFF). He has life long experience of living and working with
frsherfolk communities of Indus Delta. Mr. Shah has represented
the fisherfolk contmunities of Pakistan in various international
conferences held in India, France, West Africa and Sri Lanka etc.
He is also member Coordination Committee World Forum of
Fisher People (WFFP).
IMTIAZ HUSSAIN KAZI is Secretary Irrigation and Power

Department, Government Sindh. He has also served as Secretary
Population & Welfare department, Government of Sindh, Food and
Cooperation. He has been District Coordination Officer (DCO) of
Khairpur District and served as Conrmissioner Hyderabad and
Mirpurkhas. Mr. Kazi has also served as Food Agriculture
Counselor, Washington DC in 1992.
JAVED MAJID is Secretary to, Irrigation & Power Department

Punjab. He has held various positions in provincial and federal
government, which include Joint Secretary, Ministry of Kashmir
Affairs and Northern Areas, Government of Pakistan, Program
Manager, Primary Education Program, Government of NWFP,
Additional Secretary, Social Action Program (SAP),
Government of NWFP His one of the significant contribution
X'
CONTRIBUTORS
was the establishment of Sarhad Rural Support Corporation as its
Chief Executive.
NASAR ALI RAJPUT is the Chairman Indus River System Authority

(tRSA). He has worked on various governmenl posrlions as
Additional Chief Secretary, Provincial Project Coordinator in
Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Department. Mr Nasar Ali Rajput
has also worked with Engineering Consultant Firms in different
capacities. As technical team member of Pakistan delegation he
held loan negotiation with Asian Development Bank in Manila and
with World Bank in Washington for different projects.
ANG ABBASI is the head of technical committee, formulated by

President Mushanaf, on the issue of water reservoi$. He has been
Provincial Minister for Irrigation & Power, Communication &
Works, Public Health Engineering & Rural Development Sindh.
Besides he has served on various positions including Chairman,
PIDC, and National Investment Trust (NlT), Secretary Irrigation
Government of Sindh.
LT. GEN. (RETD.) ZULFIQAR ALI KHAN is Chairman Water and

Power Development Authority (WAPDA). He retired from
Pakistan Army as Lieutenant General after serving for over 37
years in various positions including command, staff and
instructional appointments including Instuctor in Command &
Staff Coltege and NDC, Deputy. DG ISI and DG CD.
DR. M. SULEMAN SHAIKH is Secretary Board of Trustees (BOT)

SZtOlSf. He is a well-known community.development practitioncr,
founding father and former Chairperson of Sindh Graduates
Association (SGA) as well as the Chairperson of the Board of
Governors of Thardeep Rural Development Program (TRDP). Dr.
Shaikh has also held the position of Chief Executive Strengthening
Participatory Organization (SPO). Presently, he is also honorary
Chief Executive of Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO)
PREFACE
Higher educational institutions play an important role in the
imparting of quality education, service and research. Many
educational institutions globally also contribute in national
development through policy research, analysis and guidance of
their respective countries through various forums such as
conferences, seminars and discussions. Flourishing democracies
and participatory approach of govemance in developed nations
have facilitated the process of broadening the scope of the
educational institutions. These educational institutions, besides
their role in creating leaders for tomorrow, are engaged in
providing policy guidance to policy makers and to civil
organizations in such developed societies.
In Pakistan, a large number of higher educational institutions
are playing a primary role in imparting education in the public as
well as the private sector. However, their role in policy research,
analysis and guidance has been limited. Lack of resources and
quality staff have been the basic causes. Very little space
provided to the culture of democratization and participatory
govemance in the country has mostly been responsible for this
lack of interaction between the educational institutes.
govemment and the public at large. This has converted many of
the educational institutions merely into machine of churning
educational degrees.
Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science &
Technology (SZAOISI) has been a leader and pioneer in the field
of quality education and research in Pakistan. SZASIJT has taken
its role beyond imparting quality education to policy guidance
and mass awareness on issues of national importance. The tools
of policy research, analysis, dialogue and information
dissemination are identified. The process is aimed at developing
consensus on various issues of national importance, so as to
ensure that the country is led towards the path of sustainable as
well as equitable development. Thus, side by side with investing
xii
PREFACE
resources and energies on the education and skill, development

of the country's young generation, J?I8I57 has been
endeavoring for the sustainable and equitable development of the
country.
These proceedings are the collection of research papers
presented at the Si2ASiJI Seminar, "Indus FIow Downstream
Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage?" organized by the SZABIST
Center for lnformation & Research (CIR) at Lahore, on July 10,
2003. The papers depict the picture of degradation of the Indus
delta, and its natural resources and provide policy
recommendations for preventing further degradation. The
seminar and subsequent publication of the research report is one
of many initiatives taken by EZABIfiI in the direction of policy
research and information dissemination on critical development
issues of Pakistan. It is hoped that the research papers in the
book would contribute in sensitizing our policy makers for
sustainable development in the water sector of Pakistan to
prevent further degradation of our precious resources and
ecosystems.
Let us guarantee the future generations of Pakistan a safe and
secure livelihood, a quality of life in a cleaner environment with
abundant natural resources, and the right to coexist peacefully as
citizens of this universe.
Dr. Javaid R. Laghari, TI

Vice President / Project Director
szAStsf
INTRODUCTION
Pekistan has emerged as major victim of heavy socio-
economic and environmental costs of traditional un-participatory
method of development. In many sectors the social and
environmental costs of so-called development have exceeded the
benefits. The victims of such development processes can be
found all over Pakistan e.g. in the form of affectees of projects
such as Mangla, Tarbela, Chotiari Reservoir, and No(hern By-
Pass of Karachi etc.
Degradation of the environmental biodiversity as well as
livelihood resources downstream Kotri Barrage especially in the
naturally rich ecosystem of Indus Delta is one of the many such
stories of the cost, which Pakistani communities have been
paying as a result of unsustainable development. Commissioning
of dams, barrages and other major infrastructures upstream on
Indus River, without giving due consideration to their impact on
the lower riparian, has accelerated the process of degradation
downstream Kotri Barrage especially in Indus Delta.
As a consequence, degradation of land, agriculture, livestock
fisheries and other livelihood resources of millions of population
downstream Kotri Barrage has been increasing day by day.
About 1.2 million acres of land have been degraded with
seawater intrusion. Katcha forests, agriculture crops and
orchards downstream Kotri Barrage have almost vanished and
mangrove forests- the breeding grounds for fisheries have
drastically reduced in acreage. This has resulted in poverty and
even migration of population from the region.
Coupled with such degradation the governmental policies
have also remained un-favorable to this constituency of the
victims of so-called, development, as there has been general
apathy towards reducing the scale of degradation as well as
rehabilitation of the biodiversity, livelihood resources and the
communities of the area. Overall the cries of the perished and
dis-empowered communities of the area have remained un-heard
INTRODUCTION xv
amidst the on-going controversies on the use and misuse of water

resources of the country.
52l8ll[, being a responsible educational and research
institution of Pakistan felt it necessary to make the voice of these
impoverished Pakistani communities with their sorrows heard.
As such Jl?l8ll7 Center for Lrformation & Research decided to
highlight the issue at national level through a research seminar
"Indus Flows Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or wastage?,,
which was organized at Lahore on July 10, 2003. The objectives
of the seminar were to highlight the impact of reduction in Indus
flows downstream Kotri Banage on livelihood resources,
environment and biodiversity of coastaU deltaic region, to
sensitize various stakeholders including policy makers, civil
society actors, etc. on the issue and to bring various stakeholders
especially provincial and federal policy makers on one platform
to develop consensus about the need and importance of Indus
water flow downstream Kotri Barrage.
The report of the seminar is in your hands. It is hoped that
this research report would prove to be a valuable addition in the
research on environmental biodiversity and livelihood resources
downstream Kotri Barrage, and also a great help to the policy
makers to avert further degradation of Indus Delta.
l?I8lJ7 owes a geat deal of gratitude to the experts/
researchers for their contributions, which are the part of this
report. We are especially thankful to Mr. ANG Abbasi and Mr.
M.H Askari for reviewing the final draft of the report.

Secretary to Board of Trustees
szAStgr
(1)
Livelihood Resources
Downstream Kotri Barrage &
their Degradation
Sikander Brohi
The Indus River

The Indus River is one of the world's great rivers. It rises in
the Himalayas, firstly flowing northwestwards and then tuming
south to flow throughout the whole of Pakistan before entering
the Arabian Sea via Indus Delta, east of Karachi. During its
joumey, it flows through the mountain landscape of Gilgit and
Jamshur and the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan, and
then across the fertile flood plains of the Punjab and the arid
desert regions of Sindh. with its source in the Himalayas, the
Indus River runs about 2,880 km from the far north to its
entrance into the Arabian Sea in southeastem Pakistan. In
Addition to a number of supponing streams in mountainous
areas, the Rivers Kabul, Kurram, Chenab, Jhelum, Sutlej, and
Ravi are the major supporting rivers ofthe Indus. Indus is indeed
a most important life-sustaining river for Pakistaq.
With its headwaters, tributaries, flood plains, deltaic regions,
and niarine coastal zone, the Indus River represents a mega scale
natural laboratory containing a complete range of ecosystems
and unique geographical and geological features. These include
inhospitable mountains in the north - the Himalayas and Hindu
Kush with their slip faults - river gorges and high mountain
terrain, sedimentary rock formations together with lush
vegetation in the central regions, and deserts and mangrove
2 Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage?
swamps in the lower flood plains and the coastal zone. In

addition, the river has been inputting huge volumes of water and
sediment into the ocean via one of the great river deltas of the
world - the Indus Delta.
Box: I
The lVorld Do nstreain Kotri
350 km long coastal area Indus Delta covering
from Karachi to Indian 600,000 hectares with 17
Border creeks
147 miles Katcha Area 260,000 hectares of
downstream Kotri to sea Mangrove forests being
with the width of 16 kms nursery / breeding ground
88,882 acres of land for fisheries resources
under forest and 95,038 A long network of fresh
acres under cultivation, and saline water lakes
100 miles of inland Two coastal districts i.e.
hshery ground Badin and Thatta and
Karachi coast
The Indus valley has been the cradle of ancient civilizations.

Archaeological findings indicate that the civilization of the Indus
valley possibly antedated that of the Euphrates and the Tigris.
Excavations reveal that the dwellers of Moenjodaro, Kot Diji and
Harrapa settled in this region some 5,000 years ago attracted by
the proximity of water.
Livelihood Resources Downstream Kotri Barrage

Kotri Barrage being the.last barrage on the Indus River may
be considered as the last stage of glory and fertility of Indus
River in some government policy documents, but for those who
have visited the area or have extensively studied about Indus and
its civilization, the area downstream Kotri Barrage is in fact the
bastion of the Indus civilization with a variety of the sources of
livelihood as well as biodiversity. It is the area where lndus
civilization and ecosystems have myriad colors and beautiful
contours.
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? 3
Fig:1
Indus River Downstream Kotri Barrage
t.igure 5.5
Sindh Fllverlne Areos Study
Riverlne DeveloPmenf Unlis {ROUsi
Kotri Borr 9e to Sec
With Projec,
H derob d Ol
D duRI t 0_L8_1
''
KD_R8_1 1

EI
/

"" t.

/
1

Tho"0 0iStrict O
Thol,o Oistric,

K D_RB_2
K D LB_2
5 S JJI Ril
ri S Sr MP F F,1993
` `Ar
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage?
In fact, the Indus covers about 174 miles along its eandering
path, from Kotri to the sea. There is a great biodiversity of the
nature in this area, which includes riverine agriculture, riverine
forests, wetlands and Indus Delta etc.. Details of such
biodiversity are as under:
Riverine Belt Downstream Kotri

The riverine area downstream Kotri Barrage covers about
630,786 acres. The riverine lands (Karcha) have been formed in
a continuous belt along the flat plains of the meandering course
of River Indus, extending on the either side in varying widths
ranging from 5 to 160 km of a flood- prone area. Katcha lands
are rich and fertile due to nutritional silt depositions during river
spillover periods, and excellent ground. This whole riverine area
is dependent on the water flows downstream the Kotri Barrage.
Important livelihood resources in the riverine area are forests,
fisheries and agriculture.
In fact, the riverine forests are the mainstay of forestry in the
region. They provide products and services such as timber,
firewood, pit props for mines, forage and browse for livestock,
biodiversity, and game animals, other non-timber forest products
including tannin from bark, gum, honey and even fish from
dhands and dhoras (old river beds). Riverine forests cover an
area of 88,182 acres. Scrub / bushes are spread on an area of
88,092 acres from Kotri Barrage to Indus Delta. These forests in
the past have been very thick and extensive and have been
supplying charcoal to the Middle East countries as well as some
cities in India. In addition it has met the need for timber, fuel
wood etc. for the local populatibn.
Besides seeking livelihood from the forests, agriculture has
also been practiced in the riverine area downstream Kotri
Barrage. Irrigated through the floods in the Indus River the area
remained a great source of agriculture crops and orchards. Even
at present, there is an area of 95,038 acres under cultivation in
the Katcha area from Kotri Barrage to lndus Delta.
Similarly, the river downstream Kotri Barrage has been very
famous for its fishery resources. It has been not only the habitat
of fresh inland/river fish but also the species of fish, which need
both saline seawater as well as fresh Indus water for their
survival and growth. Out of the overall river reach of some 174
miles from Kotri to the sea, the fishery ground in the mainstream
is approximately a hundred miles from Kotri to Ketti Bunder
with a l0 to 15 mile strip of Delta. Fishing communities have
traditionally lived in the riverine area since times immemorial in
permanent or semi permanent settlements (Mians) along with
their boats and fishing equipment. The major catch of these
fishermen had been the traditional palla fish, which migrated
upstream from the sea.
The Indus Delta

Indus Delta is the area where Indus River meets with the sea.
It is triangular in shape and occupies a large part of the province
of Sindh. It is about 240 km in length along the axis of the river
and 220 km at its widest, from Karachi to the great Rann of
Kutch. The present day delta, despite a process of degradation, is
unique in the world in biodiversity, natural resources and its
indigenous communities. It is a typical fan-shaped delta, built up
by the discharge of large quantities of silt washed down by the
Indus River from the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain
ranges. The present delta covers an area of about 600,000
hectares. It is characterized by 17 major creeks, innumerable
minor creeks, mud flats, and fringing mangroves. About 260,000
hectares of the delta are covered with mangroves. Indus Delta
ecosystem is rich in nutrients that provide a nursery and an early
feeding ground for many varieties of shrimp and fish. Deltaic"
alluvial land is also ideal for agriculture.
The Indus Delta has been formed in an arid climate under
conditions of a high river discharge to the proportion of 4 billion
tons of sediment per year. ln the past, this has contributed to a
progressing seaward of the delta as a result of interaction of
fluvial and marine processes and a moderate tide range of
approximately 2.6 meters. Progression has occurred in spite of
Fig:2
Indis Delta

International
Source: I)t,ionfor Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
;xtrernety high wave energies of the order of 1,400 million
Historically the whole region downstream Hyderabad city has

remained the deltaic region. The mighty Indus River reaches the
sea in the form of a number of distributarics called creeks. The
river water carrying a large sediment load slowed down by
meeting the denser seawater and the sedimcnt was once
deposited faster than the sea tides can remove it. The iver had tt'
chinge its coarse at times as the river distributaries were hlockeci
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or wastage? 'l
by so much silt deposition. As a result of frequent change in the

river coarse the river deposited sediments over a wide area,
extending new lands into the sea and increasing the delta area
with the passage of time.
The people of the area were well off because of four main
livelihood resources i.e. agriculture, livestock, fisheries and sea
route trade. The delta was considered to be an important area of
the Indus civilisation, and the hub of business and commercial
activities. Many small seaports were also established therp.
A number of seaports were built in the region and destroyed
due to different circumstance!;. These ports had played an
important role in the socio-economic uplift of this area. Among
them were Lahori Bandar, Oranga Bandar, Ali Bandar, Dhareja
Bandar, Jakhi Bandar, Sokhi Bandar, Sundo Bandar, Shah
Bandar and Keti Bandar and many others, which were
established and destroyed, in different times. Mian Ghulam Shah
Kalhoro established Shah Bandar in 1759. But the earthquake of
l8l9 destroyed Shah Bandar and it could not be rehabilitated
again. Another important port was Keti Bandar, which was a
main centre of sea trade.
Thatta, the historical city of lndus delta was once considered
to be central city of this region. This city was not only famous
for its commercial activities but it was also a centre of education,
where at least 460 educational institutes were established with
the status of universities. Thatta with the passage of time saw
many ups and downs during Aurghon and Turkhan period.
Similarly, Keti Bandar remained an important city of the deltaic
region. It is situated abo\t 22 miles from Garho on Ochito Phat.
It was established in 1848 but soon after it was destroyed due to
sea intrusion lr.f Hudson, the then Commissioner of Sindh in
his resettlement report of 1905 stated that the Keti Bandar was
the central commercial and business city since 1848. It was the
main market of rice, local dairy and other agro-productions,
which were mainly exported to other countries. A Custom Office
in Keti Bandar was established to maintain the record of landing
ships.
The present Keti Bandar is the third city. Earlier, two ports of
the same name were destructed due to sea intrusion, first in 1877
and then in 1910. The population of Keti Bandar is now nearly
1,500 whereas; in year 1845 its population was 2,542. According
to 1951 Census, the population of Keti Bandar was 1,715. Keti
Bandar lost its importance aftet 1946 due to a significant
decrease in the flow of water. At the same time, with the
introduction of modem communications system specially after
the laying down railway track between Kotri and Karachi, the
river route lost its importance. After 1843, when British rulers
came to Sindh, their main focus was shifted to Karachi, which
was a small town at the time. Keti Bandar was neglected and no
attention was paid to this historic city and now Keti Bandar is
just a small and neglected town.
Delta lands produced red rice to the extent that it was not
only sufficient for the region but was exported to various regions
of Kathiawar, Gulf etc. According to the Revenue Report of
1897, the lands of this region were completely fertile. The Lands
of Shah Bandar, Keti Bandar, Kharochan, Mirpur Sakro, were
fully productive. The Gazetteer of Karachi of 1929 indicates that
the rice crop was grown on such a vast areas that it was not
possible for the local people to harvest it all. Boats full of people
from Kathiawar region of India used to come here to harvest the
crop and eam livelihood for themselves. Timber was the major
export from Indus Delta to Muscat, Aden and Kutch Peninsula.
The export from Indus Delta also included timber, wool, bones,
hides, fishery products etc.
Major Cause of Degradation

Even before the creation of Pakistan, the British rulers
introduced the modem perennial irrigation system on Indus
River beginning from Punjab. In fact, the process of the
environmental and livelihoods degradation of the region began
with the development of mega irrigation Infrastructure ori Indus
River. The damage to the region started way back in 1890s when
the Punjab irrigation system was developed. In 1932 the Sukkur
Indus FIow Downstream Kotri Banage: Need or Wastage? 9
Barrage was built. As a result the quantity of freshwater was

reduced considerably downstream Kotri especially in the lndus
Delta. Similarly, when the Kotri Barrage was constructed in
1955 and the Guddu Barrage in 1962, the Indus flow
downstream Kotri was further reduced.
Chart:1
lndus Flow Downstream Kotri
1 1940 41
1 1950 51
1
1970 71
100
El1980 31
80 1989 90
60 1993-94
11995 96
E 1996 97
1 1997 98
1998 99
F10w(MAF) El1999 2000
Source: Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
Moreover, other barrages, dams and link canals also badly

affected the region downstream Kotri. The relevant statistics
speak for themselves. The estimated freshwater flow in Indus
Delta was about 150 million Acre Feet (MAF) in the past. lndus
had also been carrying with it some 400 million tons of silt.
However, over the 60 years' with the construction of dams,
barrages and reservoirs, the freshwater flow has reduced to less
than average l0 MAF, while silt discharge is now estimated to
be 100 metric tons per year falling to about 30 million tons
annually. For example in 1999-2000, flows downstream Kotri
Barrage were recorded as 8.83 million acre feet (MAF) which
were further reduced to 0.72 and 1.925 MAF during the year
2000-2001 and 200 I -2002 respectively.
This has resulted in a mass-scale degradation of land,

agriculture, forestry and other natural resources downstream
Kotri Banage including in the riverine areas as well as Indus
Delta.
Impact on Katcha Area:

The reduction in the Indus flow downstream Kotri Barrage
has had negative impact on the Riverine area downstream Kotri
Barrage. With the reduced flows the river below Kotri shows
increased braiding and sand bar development. Sediment passing
down the system tends to be deposited in the section below
Kotri, rather than maintaining the growth of the delta. The extent
of saline intrusion during the low RaDi season has also increased,
reaching approximately 25km upstream towards Kotri from the
sea, where the river is almost dry, with water depths of about 0.1
- 0.2m spread over a large area.
The degradation of the riverine area has its impact on the
entire livelihood sectors i.e. agriculture, fisheries, livestock and
forestry in the region. Previously, the riverine land downstream
Kotri Barrage was the most productive land and had become the
leading horticultural land in Pakistan, growing bananas and
melons, which were mostly for export. However, due to
reduction in freshwater flows groundwater has turned highly
saline due to seepage of tidewater to areas both within and out-
side the flood protective embankments on both sides of the river.
Salts have also come up the surface and surface salinity of soils
has increased, killing the earlier vegetation and making land
unfit for cultivation or growing natural grasses (M.H Panhwar,
2002)
In such a situation, although in the case of the riverine areas
of upper Sindh, riverine lands, which are not properly inundated
as a result of flooding in Indus River, are irrigated through tube
wells and lift- pumps. However, growers, in the riverine areas of
downstream Kotri Barrage had to abandon their lands because
due to the groundwater in the riverine area has become saline. As
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? II
a result, it cannot be used through tube wells and lift pumps for
agriculture proposes.
Similarly, the riverine forests of Sindh are rapidly
deteriorating because of the reduced flow of water accrued by
dams and banages on the upper reaches of River Indus. In 1987,
the Silrdh Forest Department has stated that almost 507o of the
riverine forests had degenerated to such an extent that
productivity was no longer of economic value ( WCD Case
Study Indus River Basin Pakistan, 2000). Although Katcha
forests all along the lndus River have been affected, however.
the forests particularly affected are those below Kotri Banage.
The degradation of theses forests is visible in the stunted growth
of 'salvadora' and the drying bushes of 'tamarix' species.
Especially high -lying forest areas are dying due to lack of
water. Many areas are entirely devoid of vegetation and have
virtually become unproductive.
Impact on Indus Delta Mangroves:

Reduction in the flows downstream Kotri Barrage has also
resulted in heavy losses to the ecology, biodiversity and affected
the livelihood resources of the deltaic areas. The worst affectees
are deltaic mangrove forests. The economic importance of
mangroves of Indus Delta could be ascertained from the fact that
they provide important breeding zone of commercially important
marine fish, shrimp, lobsters and crabs which help national
economy eam US $ 100 million annually from export earning. It
is estimated that gOEa commercially important tropical marine
fish species, especially prawn, spend at least'some part of their
life in the mangroves. As mangroves depend upon a steady
supply of freshwater to keep the salinity levels within certain
limits reduce in Indus flow has badly affected them. For
example, Indus Delta mangroves used to occupy 345,000
hectares along the entire Sindh Coast. However, recent ssiimates
show that their area is now only 160,000 to 205,000 hecLare.
According to some scientific estimates, during the past 50 years
about 100,000 hectares of mangrove forests have heen destroyed.
Besides decline in the mangrove cover, there has been loss of

many mangrove species. Recent studies show that there were
eight different species of mangrove in the Indus Delta through
the 1950s. However, at present, only three species of mangrove
exist in the Delta
Impact on Deltaic Fisheries:

'Similarly, fishing has been one of the key livelihood
resources in the Indus Delta. However, the reduction in the Indus
flows downstream Kotri Barrage and the subsequent degradation
of the breeding grounds of fish and shrimp especially mangrove
forests, fish catch has been drastically reduced. Despite increase
in the number of fishing boats as well as fishermen population,
the overall fish and shrimp catch from Indus Delta has been
reduced from the annual catch of 348,689 metric tonnes in 1993
to 64,400 metric tonnes in 2000. All the commercially valuable
fish and shrimp species, the major source of livelihood for the
local fisherfolk communities as well as an important source of
export eamings for the country as a whole, are under severe
threat of becoming extinct. For example the annual catch of high
quality shrimp Jaira has reduced from 10,000 metric tonnes in
l97l to 6,012 metric tonnes in 1999. Palla, the famous and tasty
fish of Sindh, has almost vanished from the deltaic waters as its
catch, according to the official figures, has declined from 1,859
metric tonnes in 1980 to barely 222 rnetric tonnes in 1999.
Impact on Fertile Land:

The major negative impact of reduction in the Indus flow
downstream Kotri Barrage has been on the land resources of the
deltaic region. As the freshwater of Indus River was the key
force pushing back the sea tides, the drastic reduction in its flows
has given complete freedom to the mighty sea tides to move
towards and intrude fertile lands. The attack of seawater on the
lands is on many fronts. The lands in proximity of the sea have
been completely submerged by the sea or the high tides of the
indus Flow Downstrcarn Kotrl Barragc:Nccd Or Wastagc? 13
sca frequcntly submerge thOusands of acrcs Of land,which again

reappcar as muddy land vith the low sca tidc
Howcver,the morc dangcrous aspcct ofthc sea vatcr attack is
the degradation of groundwatcr aquifers of dcltaic land by thc
salinc seawater Scawatcr has madc these aquifcrs salinc,which
has incrcased the mcnacc of salinity on ntilliOns Of acrcs of
deltaic land
According to a survcy carried out by Sindh higation
Dcpartment and Board of Rcvcnuc about l,220,360 (122
n llion)acrCS Of land in t vo coastal districts OF Sindh i e Thatta
and Badin have becn badly degradcd as a rcsult of scawatcr
intrusion Six talukas of district Thatta,namely Shah Bundcr,
Ketti Bundcr, Ghoraban, Kharochan, Mirpur Sakro and Jaati
havc bccn badly affcctcd as thc scawatcr intmsion has degradcd
50 to 70 pcrccnt arcas ofthc maJority ofthcse talukas Similtty,
two talukas of district Badin Taluka Golarchi and Taluka Badan
have been hit hard by scawatcr Altogcthcr 159 Dchs Of cight
talukas spread ovcr 1 22 nl111lon acres Of land have eithcr bccn
totally croded Or subscquently submcrged by thc sca
As such thousands of acrcs of land have cOmpletcly bccome
pa of the sea
vhilc the sca vatcr frequcntly submergcs thc
rcnlaining dcgradcd land during high tides Bcsidcs duc to
rcduction in frcsh lndus watcr thc onslaught Of thc sca has
rcached up to 34 km dccp inside the Barragc cOnlmand area
Rcccnt studies cOnductcd by IUCN have alsO cOnfl111led widc
scale land degradation as a rcsult oF scawatcr intrusion
nc scawatcr intruSiOn has also affcctcd green pastures as
well as thc nctwork of frcshwatcr lakcs in the regiOn This tOO
has alsO badly affected inland flshcrics,and attriCulturc practiccd
on the lakcbcd aftcr receding of water as well as thc livcstOck
population in the region Previously, livcstOck was fOund in
largc numbcrs in the dcltaic region Variou dcltaic arcas were
considcrcd as thc bcst grazing grounds for the ctttlc due tO thcir
fcrtilc land,grccn pastures and mangrovc fOrests Due to thc
IP CL:::
T: 11 l
gathered mangrove leaves for cattle, buffalo, and donkey fodder.

Herds of camel were left to browse on the many mangrove
islands along the coast. The region was so fertile that during the
monsoon season more than one lac cattle were brought from
other areas to browse in Indus Delta.
However, with the reduction in freshwater all the grass has
vanished altogether. Mangrove forests have stagnated, growing
seawater intrusion has taken over the green pastures in the Indus
Deltaic areas. The local communities have started losing their
livestock livelihood resource.
Conclusion:
Consequences of natural resource degradation are evident
everywhere downstream Kotri Barrage especially in the deltaic
region. Millions of acres of land are degraded or completely
submerged in seawater. Signs of towns and villages uprooted and
destroyed by the gushing sea tides are everywhere, giving
testimony to the fact that there once existed prosperous
communities, whose livelihoods and historical abodes had been
uprooted and who were made refugees in their own homeland in
the name of development. A large number of people have
migrated to the urban areas of Thatta, Badin, Karachi and other
districts of Sindh.
And those who still live in such degraded region are
experiencing worst ever poverty and deprivation. Buried under
the heap of loans, which they take due to reduction in their
earnings, the local communities are virtually passing a life qf
bondage. Despite working day and night on the fishing grounds,
on their degraded agriculture lands, these people are unable to
make their both ends meet with honor and dignity.
Extreme poverty due to resource degradation has snatched
food from their and their children's mouth. The lords of the sea,
as the local indigenous fishermen once were, are now at the
mercy of influential middlemen and our policy makers for their
survival. The fish catch is reduced to the extent that fishermen
whose generations ate fish as their main food now do not find
fish in their meals for weeks and months. They have to sell all
the catch to ensure their own survival and the re-payment of
loans. Agriculture communities who had pride on their land and
grains which the land produced, are compelled to work as crew
in the fishing boats or find their livelihood in wood-cutting. The
extreme poverty has compelled the people in many areas to eat
even snake-like sea species as to quench the pangs of hunger. In
many areas food shortages have compelled whole communities
to make with it plant pollen as the substitute of flour.
Those who once ruled the waters have been caught up in such
a difficult situation that for days there is no freshwater for them
to drink. Majority of water channels and Indus creeks have been
submerged by seawater and the groundwater aquifers are filled
with salinity. Thus the communities in the extreme deltaic
region, are dependent on water tankers being run by influential
businessmen who sell water which costs the poor communities
Rs 10 to 20 per plastic can, which millions of extremely poor
communities ill- afford.
The severe shortage of fresh drinking water has invited all the
water bome diseases in the region including diarrhea, gastro-
enteritis, acute respiratory tact infection, malaria, typhoid,
hepatitis, tuberculosis and skin diseases. The local newspapers
have been recently publishing reports of 10 to 20 deaths every
week in each tahsil of Badin and Thatta district due to water -
bome diseases, especially gastro enteritis, diarrhea and hepatitis.
Women and children are the worst victims.
Recommendations
Different scientific studies carried out by
credible
intemational institutions like IUCN and WWF have assessed the
need of 27 to 35 MAF downstream Kotri Barrage to ensure the
sustainability of the ecology and livelihood resources
downstream Kotri Barrage especially the deltaic region. The
Water Accord of l99l also clearly acknowledges the need of at
least 10 MAF of water downstream Kotri Barrage. The ideal
situation would be to ensure 27 to 35 MAF Indus flows
16 Indus FIow Downstrcam Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage?
downstream Kotri Barrage. However, at least l0 MAF flow, as

envisaged in the Water Accord, must be ensured at any cost to
save further degradation of livelihood and natural resources in
the region till a scientific study is conducted to ascertain the real
Indus flow needs downstream Kotri.
In place of focusing emphasis on the construction of mega
projects like dams and canals on the Indus River, efforts should
be directed towards water management strategy with greater
focus on the "proper management" of the system. The water
conveyance system of Indus River is marred with the problem of
water losses. According to some studies annual irrigation water
conveyance losses are about 48 MAF with 527o losses occurring
in the watercourses. Similarly, 2O to 25Vo losses are due to
improper land leveling. As such, it is high time that our policy
makers should pay their attention to developing a satisfactory
water conveyance system by the lining of water courses as well
as the sandy banks of the minors and the canals, in addition to
introducing modem technologies for proper land leveling to save
the precious water resource for agriculture, domestic purposes as
well as for the region downstream Kotri.
There is also the need to introduce high efficiency irrigation
technology as well as modem water saving methods for
irrigation, proper rainwater harvesting and the use of low quality
water through recycling, to save water for agriculture purposes
as well as for lndus Delta.
Question- Answer Session

Q: The River Indus is bounded with protective bunds even in the
downstream Kotri Barrage area and. the river Jlow in the sea is
very small. In such a situation, how is it possible to save a vast
area downstteam Kotri Barrage with an increased flow
downstream Kotri Barrage ?
Mr. Tahir Hussain
Nature has not built the birnds on Indus. Certainly humans

have built such bunds and they are responsible for the river's
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or r astage? 17
confinement. As Secretary Irrigation Punjab himself stated,

when there were no bunds the river streams were flowing in
different parts of the delta. These streams brought sediments
along with freshwater, which enhanced the fertility of the land.
When Indus water flows it provides water for the land and also
fills the groundwater aquifers. While due to non-availability of
freshwater, groundwater aquifers in quite wide area are filled
with seawater. Similarly, the silt brought with the freshwater
flows also pushes back the sea tides and saves the land from
erosion. The assumption that perhaps each and every drop of
freshwater downstream Kotri Barrages directly goes into the sea
is foully and unscientific. We should be aware of the fact that
the river flows pass at least 174 miles to reach the sea. During
that joumey to sea these flows cultivate around 95,038 acres of
Katcha agriculture land, provide water for regeneration to
Riverine forests spread over 88,182 acres. When these flows
reach the sea (coast) they again regenerate mangrove forests of
Indus delta spread on 260,000 hectares. These freshwater flows
ensure the sustainability of eco-system and a wide-range of
natural resources of Indus Delta presently spread on 600,000
hectares.
It is the result of the dilution of fresh Indus water with the
seawater, which sustains Indus Delta Mangrove Ecosystem,
which provides 70 percent of overall marine fish catch. Country
eams billions of dollars from export eamings of these fish and
shrimps. Besides, millions of local communities receive their
livelihoods from these fisheries resources.
Q: You mentioned thafcrops in the coastal area have been bailly

affected- Would you please elaborate as to how Indus flows
downstream Kotri affect irrigated agricuhure in coastal towns
like Badin & Thaxa, when the lands in these areas are irrigated
through Kotri Barrage?
Mr. Muhammad Munir Chaudhry, Consubing Engineer
l8 Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barage: Need or Wastage?
As a result of the decrease in the Indus flows downstream

Kotri Barrage, the flood inigated Katcha lands, and Katcha
forests have degraded. Besides, the water flows brought
sediment and filled the groundwater aquifers of the land very
close to the sea. However, with the reduction of water flows and
sediment load, the seawater, which was pushed back due to
freshwater flows and sediments, has now started degrading the
lands of those tehsils of Badin and Thatta districts which are
bordering on the sea. Seawater erodes the land and groundwater
aquifers are filled with seawater resulting in the degradation of
the land.
It is apprehended that once the lands of tahsils bordering on
the sea are completely degraded or eroded the seawaters would
continue to move towards other tehsils presently at little distance
from the sea. It is feared that seawater would be standing on the
majority of the land of both the districts.
Q: The groundwater in the coastal areas has been historically

very saline. How the seawater inlrusion has deteriorated the
quality of groundwater in these areas?
There are scores of studies of WAPDA and other national and

intemational institutions, which show that the areas/having no
groundwater salinity in the past have had salinity as a result of
reduction in fresh Indus water flows. Similarly, in many areas
the level of salinity, which was quite low until the reccnt past,
has drastically increased.
Q: The link belnveen the sea- intrusion on dehaic lands viith

decreased river flow seems to be not clear- Has sea level not due
to global warming?
The sea passes along the Balochistan. It passes through

Karachi and many other areas also. But not a single study has
yet come out with the conclusion that sea level has increased due
to global warming. The problem of degradation of land is
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or wastage? 19
confined only in deltaic region and there are different ways in

which destruction of the land occurs. One is the erosion as land
is eroded by seawater. There are also areas, which are submerged
due to tidal waves. There is also the negative impact in the form
of increase in seawater in the groundwater aquifers. So this is
obviously not a problem related to global warming. However, in
the future global warming may also be one of the severe threats
to the coastal region.
Q: You have said that no dam or storage should now be built-

How the nation is going to meet the ever-increasing future water
requirements and make up for the storage capacities due to
sihing up of our existing dams/storages?
Mr. Mukhtar Ahmad
Why should we stuck to the option of building dams when the

whole world talks about the altematives of the dams as a result
of dams' growing negative impacts. Even the report of the World
Commission on Dams is very much clear on the issue and
stresses that the dams should be the last option when all other
options have been exhausted. Without going into the details of
the negative impact of the dams, I would humbly suggest that
now it is a time that we should pay attention towards the proper
management of the water resources as well as modemization of
the irrigation water application systems, which would save
sufficient quantities of water presently lost as a result of poor
water conveyance systems.
Q: Agricubure' production of Sindh quoted by Mn Ard Has'san

owes to dams and barrages, which supply regular quantity of
water - Besides, there would be Jloods if the rivers were not
controlled. Then why the construction of dams is opposed?
I would make a humble submission that if we consider

ourselves as true Pakistanis, then we have to take the problems
of all the people living in all parts of Pakistan into consideration'
20 Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or wastage?
We should also have to consider the loss occurred to any

Pakistani as a real and genuine loss to Pakistanis and to Pakistan.
With only such a realistic approach, we would think a hundred
times before the construction of any new barrage or dam.
For example, I am from Sindh. Even if today Chairman
WAPDA offers me that to irrigate more Iands of Sindh including
the lands of my close relatives in Sehwan tahsil, the Sehwan
Barrage would be constructed on a war-footing basis, which
would, for example, inigate 22 lac acres of land. As a true
Pakistani, my opinion would be that already the reduction in
water flows have degraded 22 lac acres of land in Thatta and
Badin which are also part and parcel of Pakistan, why should I
opt for irrigating 22 lac acres of Sehwan at the cost of further
degradation of lands of Thatta and Badin or the degradation of
same acreage of land anywhere else in any part of Pakistan. I
would certainly say no to such an offer.
Now it is high time that for keeping our beloved country
strong and united, we should withdraw from the habit of
bringing prosperity to one section of people in a particular
area./region at the cost of the loss to any other section of society
area./region of Pakistan. Even the new paradigm of sustainable
development also advocates that development should not be at
the cost of any destruction and the fruits of development should
be shared on the basis of equality. The third thing, which is
equally important, is that dozens of studies have come up with
conclusions that there is no water available to even fulfill the
existing requirements of the provinces. Then what is the
justification of building dam, when there is no water to be
stored?
Q: The documentary "Death of a Delta" declares barrages in

Punjab to be the culprit of reduced escapages below Kotri Why
you as the scriptwriter of the Documentary missed. mention of
Guddu, Sukkur & Kotri Barrages & the up coming Sehwan
Banage?
Mr. Hamid Malhi, Punjab Water Council
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? 2l
It is my belief that all the diversion works on lndus River

played their negative role in the degradation of Indus Delta, be
they in Punjab or Sindh. I have not confined my blame to the
diversions in Punjab only in the documentary. In fact, I have
talked about all the diversions. The concemed words of my
script are: "The damage to Indus Delta started way back in 1890s
when the Punjab inigation system was developed. The
subsequent barrages, dams and link canals also badly affected
Indus flows downstream Kotri Barrage. Over the 60 years the
freshwater flow has reduced from more than 80 MAF to less
than average 10 MAF. During the years 2000-2001 and 2001-
2002, flows downstream Kotri Barrage reduced water
availability to the extent 0.72 and 1.925 MAF respectively."
References
. Hand Book of Fisheries Statistics of patistan, 1993-99, Marine Fisheries
Department, Govemment of Pakistan, Fish Harbor Karachi, 2000
o IUCN, Environmental Economic Evaluation: Mangrove Ecosystem of the
Indus Delta, (Undated)
. WCD, Taftela Dam and Related aspects ofthe Indus fuver Basin pakistan
Final Report November, 2000
. IUCN, Indus Delta Biosphere Reserve, Workshop Report May, 1994
. IUCN, Effecrs ofBoola and Katra Fishing Nets in the Indus Delta, March
1995
. IUCN, Susrainable Maoagement of Mangroves in the Indus Delta,
Korangi Issues Paper.3, May, 1992
. Nooruddin Mahmood and Qadeer Mohammed Ali. The lndus Delta
Mangrove Ecosystem and RRIDM (Rehabilitation and Replanting of rhe
Indus Delta Mangroves) Activities, Institute of Marine Science, Universiry
of Chittagong Bangladesh, Marine Reference Collection and Resource
Center University of Karachi (Undated)
o Inigation and Power Department GOS, Study on Minimum Flow
Required Downstream of Kotri Barrage, Wolking paper .2 Fisheries
September, 1992
. IUCN, Natural Resource Use Survey, Korangi /phitti Creek, 1992
. Haroon Nasir, The Moham in a changi[g world: Improvement of a
Fishermen Community u Indus, Sindh Thesis Repon for Depatment of
Architecture and Planning Dawood College of Engineering and
Technology Karachi, April 1987
. Population and Census Organization, 1998 Census Reports of Badin,

Thatta, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar and Nawabshah Districts
January,2000
o Sindh Forestry Development Project Sindh, Benchmark Survey and Social
Analysis of Forestry Sector in Sindh, Final District Profiles of Karachi
East, Thatta, Badin, and Hyderabad, 1997
o Arif Hassan, the Unplanned Revolution, Observations on the Process of
Socio-Economic Change in Pakistan, City Press Karachi 2002
o IUCN, Guidelines for Artificial Flood Release From Reservoirs to
Maintain Downstream Wetland Ecosystems and Dependent Livelihoods,
2000
. Azra Meadows and Peter S. Meadows, The Indus River: Biodiversity,
Resources, Humankind, Oxford University Press, 1999
o Ghulam Rasool Shah, Sociological Conditions of Indus Delta
Rehabilitation and Re-planting of Mangrove Project (IDRRMP)
Community, and Use of Mangrove Ecosystem, 1999
(2)
Water Requirement Downstream
Kotri Barrage
Mahammad Idris Rajput
1. Introduction
Rivers are natural waterways flowing through heart of the
country, most of the time enriching its inhabitants with progress
and prosperity, and sometimes causing devastation in periods of
spill. They not only fulfill the irrigation and domestic needs but
also bring nutrient rich soil deposits by picking in upper reaches
and dropping it in lower reaches.
With the development of society, the uncontrolled flows are
bridled by construction of dams, barrages and canals, which
result in reduced flows going down to sea. Ultimately a situation
reaches that effort is made to totally control and tame the river so
that nil flow goes to sea. This results in degradation &
degeneration of lower areas depending on river supplies and the
affectees raise hue and cry against such development affecting
their livelihood and social life.
To an onlooker in the upper reaches of the river, it seems as if
the river is running full and its water must be harnessed for
utilization for needs of society. To him allowing it to go down to
sea is wastage of precious water resource. To a person of lower
area near the sea, the reduction of the flows as a result of
storages and extraction, is a misuse of a natural resource and any
new development in the upper area is viewed with anxiety and
concem.
Thus the upper riparians think that every single drop should
be used for development and allowing any water going down to
seais wastage. The lower riparians on the other hand are very
skeptical and'concerned about abstracting total waters of a river
and claim that there is need of some water, which must flow
down, for their survival and social life. What is the reality -
wastage or need - we have to find.
2.Indus River System

2.1 T[e.Ind** Rirrer System comprises of five left- bank
tnbut-aries viz. Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, Beas and one right-
bank tributary viz. i.e. Kabul. Rivers Sutlej, Beas and Ravi are
known as eastern rivers and Indus, Jehlum and Chenab as
western rivers.
Prior to independence of Pakistan, a number of diversion sites
were developed on various rivers of Indus River System.
The diversion sites / canals included: Upper Bari Doab,
Sirhind, Sidhnai, lower Swat, Jhelum (lower) Paharpur, Upper
Table: I
Structures Developed on Indus River System Prior to lndependence
structu canal l Divbrsiol Site l lRller

Upper Bari Doab Madhpur Ravi 1859 29,000
Sirhind Rupar Su,lCJ 1872 14,425
Sidhnai Sidhnai Ravi 1886 14,600
l.ower Swat Munda Swat 1890 2,3oo l
Jhelum ([nwer) Rasul Jhelum 1 1901 25,600

Paharpur Chasma l 1ndus : 19o9 26,700
Upper Chenab Marala l Ch 1'12 22,000
Lower Bari Boad Ba1lo Ravi : 1913 18,500
Upper Jhelum Mangla Jhclum 1915 12,000
Upper Swat Amandara l Swat 1915 1 3,200
Fcrozepur,
Sutlej Valley Sulemanki, Sutl 1926 29 14,877
Islam,Punin
Sukkur Barrage. sukkur l l 1ndus 1932 46,617
Haveli TI ul Chenab 1939 1 11:000
Chenab, Lower Bari Boad, Upper Jhelum, Upper Swat, Sutlej

Valley, Sukkur Barrage and Havely. These structures were
developed right from 1859 to 1939 diverting millions of cusecs
of water flows from the lndus River System. Out of these
structures only two i.e. Paharpur and Sukkur Barrage were
developed directly on the Indus River, while other structures
were developed on Ravi, Sutlaj, Swat, Jhelum, Chenab rivers.
Details of the structures have been given in the table-I.
2.3 Soon after independence, a number of other diversions
works were developed on the lndus River System in Pakistan.
These structures/canals were developed during the years 1955 to
1962. These included: Thal canal, Kotri Barrage, Marala Ravi
Link, Taunsa Barrage and Guddu Barrage. Out of these four i.e.
Thal Canal, Kotri Barrage, Taunsa Barrage and Guddu Barrage
were developed on Indus River, while Marala Ravi Link canal
was developed on Chenab. These structures again resulted in the
diversion of millions of more water flows from Indus River
System. Details of the structures have been given in table: 2.
Table:2
Diverslon Works Car ed out on lndus River Systeln After
lnd91endence l

StruCture/ Diverslon
I Canal l Sit l
lr Q 6n
Thal Canal Kalabagl Indus 1955

7,5001
Kotri Banage KotH 1ndus 1955 41,476
Marala Ravi Link Marala Chcnab 1956 22,000
Taunsa Barrage Taunsa 1ndiS 1958 36,501
Guddu Barrage Guddu 1ndus 1962 36,529
Indus Basin Treaty

In 1960, to settle the water dispute between India and
Pakistan, the Indus Basin Treaty was signed. This gave exclusive
use of the waters of rivers Sutluj, Beas and Ravi to India and a
specified use on the western rivers to Pakistan. As a result of the

Indus Basin Treaty a number of replacement works were carried
out.
This was done during year 1956 to 1976, and works included:
Tarbela Dam, Mangla Dam, Chashma-Jehlum Link, Taunsa-
Panjnad Link, Rasul-Qadirabad Link, Qadirabad-Balloki Link,
Trimmu-Sidhnai Link, Sidhnai-Maisi Linkk, Mailsi-Bahawal
Link, Balloki-Sulemanki Link and Marala-Ravi Link. Details of
these works have been given in table-3.
Table:3
I Beplac ment wolkS Carried Olt OII,dus R er System fO110wing
Ihdus
Storage ls lagC_
Volume/ V01ume/
Discharge ` Date l

Discharge
Work
9
Capacity
(MAF/
cumecs) .
1
11
cusecs)
Tarbcla Dam 11.10 13,692 1976
Mangla Dam 5.88 7,253 1967
Chashma Jhelum Link 21,700 614 1971
Ttth P ,ad 12,000 340 1962
Rasul Q irabad Li 19,000 540 1967
Qadirabad_B410ki l 14,500 410 1967
Link
THmmu Sidhhai Link 11,000 3H 65
19

SidhialtMailsi Link 10,100 286 1965
M lsi: aha Linkl 4,000 113 1965
Ba1lokilSulemanki l l 18,500 524 1965
Links ll
MaralattRa'i Link 22 623 1956
4. Water Accord 199L
In
1991, a water agreement was signed between the four
provinces of Pakistan on March 16, l99l which was ratified by
the Council of Common lnterests (CCI) on March 2l,l99l and
was called "Water Accord L991*. This Accord enhanced
allocations of provinces from the then uses of 106 MAF to
Indus FIow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? 27
117.35 MAF. Details of the allocations as per 1991 Water

Accord are given in table: 4
Table:4
Provincial Allocations as Per 1991 Water Accord
(Figure in MAF)
PROVINCE KHARIF RABI TOTAL

PUNJAB 37.07 18.87 5594
SINDH 33.94 14.82 4876
N.W.F.P(a) 3.48 2.30 5.78
(b)CIVIL CANALS 1.80 1.20 3.00
BALUCHISTAN 2.85 1.02 387

77.34 37.01 114.35
+ + +
180 1.20 300
5. Reduction of Downstream Kotri Flows

As a result of the increase in abstractions over the past two
centuries, flows and sediments downstream Kotri gradually
reduced. The position during the last 70 years has been as under:
From 1.93lto 1947

The average flows generally exceeded 73 million-acre feet
(MAD and the suspended load averaged 225 million tons (mt).
From L948 to 196L

There was not much change in the river discharge but
sediment load decreased to less than 100 mt. This was due to
entrapment of silt by barrages in upper parts of the river.
From 196L to 1991

The discharges dropped to less than 50 maf while the
suspended load dropped to average of 50 m.t.
From 1991 to 2003

The discharge came down to 35 MAF and the sediment to 36
mt. The most critical years were 1999 to 2002 when downstream
Kotri flows were substantially reduced to a greater extent. The
flows downstream Kotri Barrage were recorded as 8.84 MAF in
1999, which further reduced to 0.74 MAF in 2000. The flows in
the year 2001 were recorded as 1.92 MAF and in 2002, the flows
downstream Kotri Barrage also remained as reduced as 2.15
MAF. The above flows are likely to further reduce in future
because of following reasons:
. The construction of additional reservoirs and water

control structures
o The reduction ofJlow in the Eastem Rivers as a resub of
developments in India
o Changes in the operating regime of storage for power
PUrpose
o Extension and other changes in the supply to irrigated
lands in the basin
o Increase in abstractions for industrial and municipal
supplies
6. Impact on Areas Downstream Kotri

The impact on areas below Kotri is for two reasons, namely
reduction of flows and reduction of nutrient rich sediment
canied by the river. The two distinct areas below Kotri are the
riverine area between flood protection embankments and Indus
delta.
Indus Flow Downs0eam Kotri Barrage: Ned or Wastage? 29
Impact on Riverine Area

This is mainly on following: -
e Drinking water
o Agnculture
. Riverine forests
. Fish catch
o River channel deterioration
There are 200 villages with a population of 110,000 in the

riverine area. The agriculture is done on an area of 95,038 acres
out of a total culturable arca of 271,312 acre. Riverine forests
cover an area of 88,182 acres. Palla fish cannot travel up the
river from the sea for spawning. As a result, catch of Pplla fish
has decreased thereby affecting the livelihood of the fishermen.
The river channel below Kotri has deteriorated as a result of the
low floods. Whenever peak floods will occur there will be
breaches in river bunds.
Impact on Delta Area

This is on the following:
o Drinking water
o Mangroves
o Fisheries
o Sea intrusion
o Groundwater salinity
Good quality drinking water is not available for p large
population of Indus Delta. The mangroves area in delta has
shrunk from 260,000 hectares to 160,000 hectares. There is also
a gradual decrease of fish and shrimp produ tion due to several
reasons one of which is a reduction in the mangrove area
resulting from the low freshwater flows. The mangroves act as
nurseries of shrimps and fishes. There is a gradual advance of the
sea towards the land as a result of the reduced river flows. An
area of about I .2 million acre is inundated by sea waves.
Minimum Flow Requirement

7.1 In order that delta areas may survive, there is minimum
flow requirement. In the Water Accord the requirement
demanded by Sindh was for l0 MAF. However, it was a demand
only. The decision was that studies should be carried out to find
out the minimum escapage needs below Kotri. Para 7 of Water
Accord in this respect is reproduced below:
The need for certain minimum escapage to sea, below Kotri,
to check sea intrusion was recognized. Sindh held the view, that
the optimum level was l0 MAF, which was discussed at length,
while other studies indicated lower/higher figures. It was,
therefore, decided that further studies would be undertaken to
establish the minimal escapase needs.
Unfortunately no studies have so far been carried out so far
although the Council of Common Interests while approving ten
daily allocations as part of the Accord on September 16, 1991
directed that these should be completed in one year.
In the report of Dams and Development it is mentioned that
29 countries use environmental flow releases from dams to
maintain a sustainable balance between the purpose of the dam
and the needs of downstream ecosystem and resource users.
In the book "silenced Rivers" by Patrick Mcully it is
mentioned that in Spain dams are supposed to release ecological
flow, which is l0 percent of the average annual flow. In one
study carried out by Mr. Meynell in 1991 the requirement for
Mangroves only was worked ottt27 MAF.
While there may be a difference of opinion ot'r the quantity of
freshwater flow reldases, it is established that thefe is a need of
flow downstream of Kotri for following purposes:
o lnigation
o Domestic use
o Sailaba cultivation
o Sustain riverine forests
o Recharge of groundwater for subsequent abstraction for
agriculture and domestic use
o Sustaining fisheries
o Maintaining river water quality
o Assurance of adequate flood channel maintenance
Conclusion:
There is a need of certain environmental flow going down to
sea, which should be established through studies to be
undertaken by neutral experts. To that extent flow downstream
Kotri is need and not wastage.
Question - Answer Session

Q: Indus flow downstream Kotri may be 10 MAF or 100 MAF; it
can be made available only in July and September. How can the
ecosystem be presened when there is no water for nine months
to push the seawater away?
Mr. Younas Ghtznavi
It is a misconception if you think that the flows downstream

Kotri only will be ensured in the flood days. You have to
workout if you want the survival of the existing system. So
whatever flows the ecosystem requires it should be given at the
time period when it is actually required. It should not be
restricted only to the flood days.
Q: What will be the impact of construction of the proposed

Sehwan Barrage on fl.ow downstream Kotri Baruage?
The Sehwan Banage has an allocation from the Water

Accord share under para-2. It means previously Sindh was
utilising 43 MAF and now it has been given 48 MAF. So for
Sindh Govemment has given 2.2 MN additional water, out of
its share, for Sehwan Barrage. So the impact will only be when
we use the flood supplies.
Q: Should Indus Flows Downsteam Kotri Baruage: Need or

Wastage not be decided by eminent political and technical think
tanks fully supported by research data /findings?
Dr. Irshad Ahmad
Basically it is technical issue. Let it be decided by technical

people. Then, if it cannot be settled, it can go to the political
forum. But initially technical people should settle the matter.
Q: Pakistan has been hit by drought for the last six or seven
for the crops. This was a
years and water was not available even
source of discord benveen Sindh and Punjab. In these
circumstances how can we assl.re minimum escapages of 10
MAF?
Eng. M. Saleem
It has to be established as to what is the actual requirement,

and in what time period and in what quantum. You know when
there were no storages or no irrigation works, the water used to
flow to the delta even in the Kharif and Rabi. So the requirement
has to be worked out. However, the period and the quantum
have to be decided by a technical study.
Q: Where is the study carried out by MMP Consuhants? What

are its recommendations? Why it is not mnde public?
Dr. Izhar Ali
Well, it was an in- house study. There was a dispute between

the govemment and the cohsultant on this issue. The study was
not finalised. No payment was made to the consultant and he left
the study incomplete. It was not available even in a draft form.
How can we make it public?
lndus Flow Downstream KotrlBarrage: Need or Wastage? 33
References
Azra Meadows & Peter S. Meadows, The Indus River, Bio-diversity,
Resources, Humankind, Oxford University Press Karachi, 1999.
. M. Tahir Quleshi, Sustainable Management of Mangroves in the Indus
Delta, IUCN, 1992.
. Aly Ercelawn, Muhamrnad Ali Shah and Zubaida Birwani, Sustainable
Livelihoods for Coastal Fisherfolk, Issues for Advocacy, Shirkat Gah,
1999
: " Pakistan: An Official Hand Book on Statistics, Federal Bureau of
Statistics, Islamabad, 1999
. Rview of the State of World Fishery Resources: Marine Fisheries,
Marine Resources, Fisheries Depafiment FAO, and Rome Italy, 1997.
o Meryl William, The Transition in the Contribution of Living Aquatic
Resources to Food Security IFPRI 2020 Brief, 1998
Pakistan Statistical Year Book 1998/99 Federal Bureau of Statistics GOP
Islamabad, 2000
. Dr. Naseem Akhtar. Sustainable Fisheries: A Pakistan Natiomt
Conservation Strategy Sector Paper -5, IUCN, Environment and Urban
Affairs Division, GOP, Islamabad, 1992
Possible Effects of the Indus Water Accord on the lndus Delta Ecosystem,
Issue Paper-l, IUCN, 1991
. Arif Hassan, Environmental Profile of the Coastal Communities, Arif
Hassan & Associates, Karachi (Year not mentioned)
. Study on Minimum Flow Required Downstream of Kotri Barrage,
Working Paper No-2, Mott MacDonald Intemational Limited, 1992
Procedings of the National Seminar on Mangrove Ecosystem Dynamics
of Indus Delta, Sindh Forest Department & World Bank, 1999
. E.H. Aitkin, Gazetteer of the province of Sindh, Mercantile Steam Press
Karachi, 1907
e Jean Fairley, The lrin River- The Indus, Brothers Publishers Lahore,
1993
. Ago-Development Intemational, "Tarbela Dam & Related Aspects ofthe
, Indus River Basin Pakistan", WCD Case Study Nov. 200O'
. Asian Developmenr Bank (ADB) TA No.2452-pak, ,,Irigarion
Management Projecf' Feasibiliry Repon Aug 1996
. Associated Consulting Engineers (Pvt) Ltd, "National Water policy,,
Inception Repon, for Ministry of Water & Power, Govt of pakistan,
: March 2000
. Bureau of Statistics, P&D, Covt. of Sindh, "Agdculture Statistics of
Sirdh", 1998-99
. Global Water Partnership. "Draft South Asia - Water Vision 2025',
Country Report - Pakistan, 2000
Govt ofPakistan & Gor, oi Indiu 1t960;, "The Indus waters Treaty 1960"
Mirajuddin Press, Lahore, Dr. Nazir Ahmad, "Water Resources of
Pakistan", Mirajuddin Press, Lahore, Sep. 1993
Planning Commission, Govt of Pakistan, "Ten Year Perspective
Development Plan 2001-11& Three Year Development Programme 2001-
04", Sep. 2001
Population Census Organization, Govemment of Pakistan' "Provincial
Census Report of Sindh ", 1998
(3)
A Study on the Impact of Artificial
Flood Releases from Reservoirs on
Downstream Ecosystems &
Dependent Livelihoods
Mohammad Tahir eureshi
Abstract
The study has been conducted in the prevailing environment
of increasing demands on Indus Water resources from urban,
industrial and agricultural users. This is a common phenomena
world wide, which increasingly leads to severe reductions in
residual river flows and volumes, particularly downstream
reaches with associated environmental consequences. The River
lndus is no exception. Statistics show that the residual volume
released downstream Kotri has fallen steadily from an annual
average of 84.7 MAF in 1940-54 to less than 35 MAF in 1977_
92.
The riverine and deltaic areas downstream Kotri Barrage are
of significant environmental and economic significance. Shrimps
caught in the Indus Delta and along the coast of Sindh contribute
72 percent of national fish exports of Rs. 7.02 billion in 1999.
The area of riverine forests downstream Kotri barrage is 43.400
hecta,res, which produced 170,617 -m3 timber, betwein 19g2 and
1992. The area directly supports a population of over 130.00
predominantly engaged in activities related to the direct or
indirect use of the River Indus and a significant population
indirectly.
Over the past 100 years, the River Indus has been
progressively dammed and diverted for irrigation, electricity
generation, domestic and industrial water supply' Irrigation
without adequate drainage has resulted in the loss of agricultural
lands due to water logging and hyper saline soils. Saline
intrusion into groundwater from the delta and submersion of
Culturalable command Areas (ccA) from the sea intrusion is
Box-1
COa tal&bllarine ntsourco POt ntial
90 million tons is the worldwide catches of marine fishes per annum

and 0 665 ubnto :iS th l
ttth il Pakistan.
About 450 species: offish are recorded from Arabian sea and
Pakistan has over 100 sP:
25 species: olfish are of commercial importance
39 species: ofsea weeds including green and red algae are found'
4lVo ofthetotal catch is reduced to fishmeal, 347o marketed and
257o processed.
Due to over exploitation and pollution pearl oyster, lingula and some
of the fishes have disappeared in our coastal water
Over 150,000 people use about 36,000 tons ofmangrove ltrewood
per month along Pakistan coast.
About 16,000 camels, 4,000-6,000 cows and water buffaloes and
2,500 3,000 cattlqm
@ problem. This has put stress upon

.urgrou", causing stunting and loss of seedlings' The survival
of thi mangrove ecosystem at risk. ln addition, the reduction
is
of the silt discharged from 400 million tonnes per year to less
than 100 million tonnes at present and probably lower in the
future has implications for geomorphology of the delta. when
coupled with increased sea level rise, it is probable that the delta
wilf flatten and erode and provide less coastal protection against
the forces of the southwest monsoon' The change from heavy
little land-based sediment will mean that the mangroves cannot
cope with higher rates of sea level rise' Due to the growing
population pressures, it is unlikely that more water or silt will be
iellasea from the lndus in the future. This will result in the loss
Indus Flow Dow[stream Kotd Barrage: Need or Wastage? 3j
of livelihood of the local population in the coastal and marine
riverine areas of Sindh.
Introduction
The deltaic region created by the flows and deposition of
sediments of the River Indus extends from Cape Monze to the
west of Karachi southwards and eastwards to the Runn of Kutch
and the Pakistan border with India. The Indus Delta covers an
area of some 600,000 hectares stretching about 200 km to the
south of Karachi to beyond the India - Pakistan border. This is a
considerably large area, comparable to the forested area of the
Sunderbans of Bangladesh. However, not all the area in the
Indus Delta is under rxrngrove forests. There are 17 major
creeks, extensive mudflats and about 260,000 hectares of
mangrove forests of which only one-fifth can be classified as
dense mangrove stands.
The country's shrimp fishery is related to the occurrence of
nurngroves in the area (ruCN, 1998). The mangrove areas play
an essential role in the life cycle of fish and especially shrimps.
Studies in Pakistan have indicated that 807o of commercial fish
species spend at least part of their life in the mangrove. Shrimps
caught in the Indus Delta and along the Sindh Coast contribute
72Vo of national fish export of Rs. 7.02 billion in 1999. Healthy
and flourishing mangroves therefore enhance the productive
value of the coastal ecosystems upon which the local
communities depend for food, fuel wood and fodder.
Additionally, mangroves and tidal mudflats support a rich
variety of flora and fauna and. are particularly important as
resting and feeding grounds for migratory birds using the Asian
flyway.
A small yet often overlooked function of the lndus Delta
mangroves is their contribution to the mitigation of the localized
process of desertification and the sea level rise associated with
the global climate change. At a time when an increasing
proportion of the landmass of Sindh and Balochistan has
survived desertification, the deltaic mangroves have preserved
under hostile semi-arid conditions, trapping the nutrient rich soil

through their extensive root system, thereby minimizing soil loss
and its degradation. Pakistan's mangrove also save as a frontline
defence against potential sea level rise, which has been estimated
at 1.1 mm / year along the coast of Karachi (IUCN, 1994). While
Table: I
Average Annual and Seasonal Volumes Downstream Of Kotri
HH_T
Period Discharge Volunr MAF Percentage Construction with Silt lnad
Reduction Year
Amml Kharif Rabi
1880-92 t50.0 - Canal System 400.0 million
tomes
1940-54 84.7 73.8 10.9 10.0 Sukku Bamage 225.0 million

1933 tonnes
1955-65 79.9 69.7 10.2 lZ.9 Bmages:

Kalabagh
(Jinnah) 1955
Kotri - 1955
Marala - 1956
Taunsa - 1958
Guddu - 1962
1966-76 46.0 41.4 1.6 45j Wusak Dam-
1965
I tllt-lz 35.2 33.1 2.1 58.4 Tarbela Dam- 100.0 million

I 1975 tomes
1992 10.0 - 30.0 million

onwards tonnes
this negligible rate of increase is no cause for alarm, adopting a

precautionary approach now by safeguarding coastal mangroves
may in future prove to be a very sound investment in the nation's
economic and environmental security.
1. Reduction in Freshwater
The mangroves of the Indus Delta are almost wholly

dependent upon the freshwater discharges from the River lndus.
Th.: average annual rainfall is very low (22lmm), and in some
years, there is virtually no rainfall at all. Historically, the
abundant freshwater discharges and nutrient rich sediment load
Table:2
Livelihood Impact of Seawater Intrusion in District Thatta
Land losses in 3 talukas 263:272 acres

Agriculture losses Rs.4.2 milllon
Fishery losses Rs.3.5 million
Forestry losses Rs.145.O milllon
was conducive to a highly productive coastal ecosystem,

including mangrove stands and fish which form the livelihood
basis of the local communities around the lndus Delta. Human
activities however, have progressively altered the discharge
pattern of the Indus and therefore the transport of sediments. It is
suspected that the most severe environmental stress, which the
mangroves are facing results from the reduction of freshwater
flows down the Indus carrying with it, reduced loads of silt and
nutrients.
The estimated available freshwater flow from the River Indus
is about 150 MAF per year. Substantial quantities of freshwater
have been harnessed through large scale engineering projects
such as the building of irrigation channels, barrages,
embankments, dykes and multipurpose dams. For example, the
Kotri barrage, which is closest to the sea, was built in 1956.
Subsequently, two large dams were constructed on the lndus
system, the Mangla and Tarbela dams completed in 1967 and
1974 respectively. As a result of these interventions, the lndus
River freshwater discharge in the riverine and deltaic region has
been reduced to one-fifth of its natural flow and the river has
been confined to a'single channel almost down the coastal area.
Statistics show that the residual volume released down Kotri
Barrage has fallen from an annual average of 84.7 MAF in 1940
- 54 to less than 35 MAF in 1977 - 92. There are proposals for
building new dams that will further reduce the freshwater input
in the future.
Causes of Changes in Mangrove Habitats
3. Impact on Flora
Major ecological changes took place as a result of the sea
moving into the delta channels. With the disappearance of the
fresh river water, agriculture in the coastal belt was no longer
Bo 12
Social Effects of Seawater Intrusion
. 90,000 people were displaced and 120 villages were submerged
o Problems occurring on local level in acquiring altemate lands in
Sindh Province
o Over 300,000 fishermen migrated from the Indus Delta to other
parts of Sindh and are facing problems
possible. Freshwater for drinking purposes became difficult to

acquire. This affected both human and animal life. The tamarix
forest diminished slowly as they could not grow in seawater or
saline conditions. The mangrove forests also diminished due to
the absence of freshwater flushing the marshes. The delta grasses
beds were affected as well. They declined both in quantity and
quality. The coastal belt has seen a major reduction in cropland
and its productivity due to erosion and increased salinity. Land
records show rice cultivation in the areas in and around Keti
Bunder and Kharochan, which are now barren for miles. One
cause of the diminished cropland is the destruction of the
mangrove forests, which prevent salt intrusion and check erosion
by the sea. An aggravating factor is the reduction of freshwater
and associated silt, which could act as a brake against sea
intrusion and also dilute salts arising from agriculture and
seawater intrusion.
These changes have forced the agricultural and pastoral
communities to migrate to the newly colonized barrage areas in
the Sujawal, Jati and Thatta talukas. Today an area, which
produced a surplus of dairy products till late fifties, has to
depend on imported powered milk to meet the needs of its rural
lndus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or wastage? 41
population. The urban centers declined and Shah Bunder and

Keti Bunder are now no more than large hamlets.
4. Impact on Fauna
The population of Palla, Tennulosa ilisha has declined

considerably during the recent years. This pelagic fish
congregates in estuarine area and ascends River Indus for
breeding during monsoon season. The mi$ation of this fish has
been severely affected by the reduction of the freshwater flow
and the construction of dams. Previously it used to go upto
Multan but now its movement has been restricted due to the
construction of Kotri Barrage. The genus llpglg was once
common on the coast near Karachi. Now the species has entirely
disappeared from Karachi coast. The population of water birds
particulady the wader has gone down on the coastal areas over
the years.
5. Implications for the Future
The implications for the future of the mangrove and riverine

ecosystems and local population are serious. It is probable that
the mangroves in the active delta have disappeared due to a
combination of human pressure and a dramatic change in the
oceanographic conditions in this area. Thus although this area
stillreceives some freshwater and sediment during the flood
period, the active reworking of sediments and erosion by marine
processes, makes the creek edges unsuitable for young
mangroves to establish themselves.
The freshwater, sediments and nutrients brought down by the
river are important to prevent further degradation of the Indus
Delta and riverine tract for protection of freshwater and coastal
fisheries. The question taxing decision makers on the issue of the
major dam as any other water scheme following the
implementation of the Indus Water Accord is how much
additional damage will be inflicted upon the downstream
ecosystem. It is inesponsible to say that we may as well cut off
all the water and sediment reaching the deltas, since the damage
has been done and since Pakistan needs all the water it can get
for energy and agriculture upstream. This would be denying the
remaining benefits of the Delta to the coastal communities and to
the national economy. It is clear that the riverine tract and lndus
Delta are on the brink of ecological disaster and the decision
makers have to understand very clearly what is at stake to make
up for the earlier development decisions taken without the
complete awareness of the environment, which we now have.
One of the wrys in which they can be helped to understand this
issue is by carrying out an environmental economic analysis of
the importance of the Indus Delta and its ecosystems. They can
then balance this cost more clearly against the benefits derived
from any upstream water use.
Question- Answer Session

Q: Has IUCN considered the fatal effects on the coastal ecology
of 400- 500 MG per day urban/ind.ustrial waste pouring into the
sea?
Ch. Hamid Malhi, Coorditntor, Punjab Water Council
Industrial pollution is definitely a threat to mangroves

ecosystem. We have some major threats and some minor threats.
Scarcity of freshwater, over-exploitation of the mangrove
resources by the local population, and the industrial marine and
thermal pollution are certainly major effects to mangrove
ecosystem.
Q: Mangrove Forests outside the active Indus Deba are thriving

much better than those in the active Delta. Does it not show that
mangrove forests are not dependent on freshwater? Would you
like to comment?
Ahmad Khan Bhatti, former Member (Water) WAPDA
In fact, the Sindh Board of Revenue controls the mangroves

forests, in Keti Bandar, and Shah Bandar, near the mouth of river
lndus Flow Downstream Kotri Bafiage: Need or Wastage? 43
Indus. All those mangroves are free for all, because the BOR has
neither expertise nor the protective staff. And the mangrove
forests, which are growing near Karachi coast, are very happy
because they are getting sewerage water from Karachi, which is
bringing nutrients for them. The Sindh Forest Department, which
has a good team, is controlling them. So definitely we should
know that freshwater is the physiological requirement of all
plants and animals. It may be a man; it may be mangroves. But
since mangroves are surviving in the saline water they perhaps
had a certain modification in their body. They have the extensive
root system, which excludes the salt at their root system. There
are certain mangrove forest plants, which absorb salt and excrete
at their branches level. Then there are certain mangrove plants,
which store salt in their body whom we call salt excrete, salt
excluder and salt accumulator. But again I would say those
mangroves, which are growing in freshwater produce timber of
the best quality. The peOple living in the Indus Delta used to
construct their houses and boats from the mangrove forests,
which were in the Indus delta.
Q: Is it not a fact that the number of days without water

downstream Kotri has reduced after the construction of the
Tarbela Dam - which means that Dams have had a positive
impact and will continue to have a positive impact on flow of
water below Kotri?
Ahmad Khan Bhatti, former Member (Water) WAPDA
After 1975 the rate of mortality of mangroves has been about

25 to 27 percent. The ceilings in mangrove forests the natural
regeneration is a rule all over the world. But due to scarcity of
freshwater and due to salt concentration, now in some areas
where there is no freshwater supply, the natural regeneration is
not forthcoming. This is very unfortunate that the plant, which is
called Avicennia, which is salt torrent plant, is having 5 to 10
percent of the natural regeneration and the rest of species have
M Indus Flow Downstream Kori Barrage: Need or Wastage?
no regeneration. The two other species, which still survive, have

no narural regeneration.
Q: Discussion on the need or wastqge of Downstream Kotri

releases can only be held on the findings of some detailed study
reports. Such studies are yet to be undertaken by the Federal
Government. The Sindh Govemment caried out some studies.
Wat are the resuks of such studies?
Engr. Israr-ul-Haq
IUCN has done the research on the rate of mangrove survival

in saline water, the rate of their germination, the rate of their
gowth. So we have a number of reports and there are being
disseminated to the concerned organisations, the govemment
department as well as the NGOs.
Q: Mangroves are thriving along the coastline from Karachi to

the Indus Delta and from the Indus Deka to the Indian border-
But there are no nutngroves in the Indus Deha area. Thriving
mangroves belong to the Avicennia Marina variery, which is
highly sak tolerant. Why the same variety cannot be grown in the
Indus Deha reach?
Engr. Israru-ul-Haq
IUCN Pakistan in
collaboration with the Sindh Forest
Department has taken over 50, 000 ha and the rate of success is
about 90 to 95 percent. Here, we have raised 607o Avicennia and
40 percent other two species which are the charcoal producing
species, in order to improve the commercial aspect of the
mangrove forests. When I was DFO, I used to talk about funds
for rehabilitation of mangtoves. The then Secretary Forest
Department used to tell me that I want to throw money into the
sea. So we are trying to improve social and commercial aspects
of mangrove forestry. We have a lot of mangrove plants, which
belong to this species.
References
. Asianics, 1999. Case Study on Tarbela Dam (circulation dmft) world
Commission on Dams
. Chauperson, H.G., Seth, S.K. and Khattak G. M. 1965. Forest types of
Pakislan. Pakistan Foresl lnst, Peshawar
. Field, C.D (Fditor) 1996. Restomtion of mangroves Ecosystem, Ind.
Society for Mangrove Ecosystem; Okinawa. Japan
. IUCN 1987a. Rapid Assessment of industrial pollution in the Korangi
Phitti creek.
. IUCN 1988. Proposal on Management Plan for Korangi Phitti Creek,
Karachi Phase ll
. Khan, S. A., 1965. Mangrove Forests, their past and present management
in Hyderabad region
. Khan, S. A. 1965. Working Plan of Coastal Zone Afforestation Division
form 1964-fl to 1982-83, Goveminent of West Pakistan, Agdcultural
Department Lahore.
. Kogo. M. Miyamoto, Suda, C., and Qureshi, M. T. 1987. Report on
second Consultant Mission for Expriment plantation for Rehabilitation of
Mangrove Forest in Pakistan UNDP/UNESCO Reg. Proj: Res. And
training progamme on Mangroves Ecosystem in Asia and the Pacific
(Rasr9/002) Alguram Res. Cental Tokyo Japan
o Qureshi, M. T. 1985. Country Report on Mangrove in Pakistan, Govt. of
Sindh, Forest Depanment Karachi
. Qureshi, M. T. 1986. Working plan of mangrove (Coastal Foresr form
1984-85 to 2002 Sindh Forest Dept, Govt. of Sindh.
o Qureshi, M. T. 1990. Experimental Plantation for rehabilitation of
Mangrove Forest in Pakistan. Third Report UNDPruNESCO Reg. Project
for Rs and Training Prog. On Mangrove Ecosystem in Asia and Pacific
(RaV86/002) Sindh Forest Department Govemment ofSindh, Karachi
(4)
Death of the Delta
Arif Hassan
This is not a technical paper. It consists primarily of

observations regarding the changes that have occurred in the
physical and social environment of the Delta region in my
lifetime. As a child and a young man I visited the Delta regularly
as my father had a fascination for the archaeological remains of
the old Delta port cities that managed the trade between Sindh on
the one hand and the Gulf, African and the Indian peninsula
ports on the other. History tells us that this trade was extensive
and the hdus delta region was a major exporter of timber,
camels, rice and textiles.
In 1960, I left Pakistan to study abroad and did not visit the
Indus Delta again till 1989 when the UNESCAP asked me to
.prepare an environmental profile of coastal communities for the
govemment of Pakistan's Coastal Environmental Management
Plan. In the nineteen years that I had not visited the Delta, it had
changed. What I saw was devastation, horrific both in its nature
and scale. The report that I prepared and my subsequent writings
have documented this change both in socio-economic and
physical terlns. Wlrat I have observed and gathered from surveys
forms part of my recent book "The Unplanned Revolution".
Wlen I visited the Delta in 1989, after an absence of nineteen
years, what struck me most was that. the mudflats between the
creeks were no longer green. The rich grasses on them had died
and as such there were no animals grazing on them. The entire
landscape had been transformed from one of greenery to one of
complete barrenness except for the mangrove bushes. We were
told that agdculture that was carried out as a result of the annual
flooding of the river was no longer possible as the sea had crept
in. The sharecroppers on these lands had moved to other areas
where many of them have been reduced to being day-wage
labour.
It was November and at this time in the past, hundreds of
little hamlets of fishermen of the Dabla clans would have
developed on the seashore at the extremities of the creeks.
However, no such hamlets were visible. Investigations showed
that since there was no sweet water flushing the creeks, the
grasses could no longer grow. For the same reason, the seasonal
fishing hamlets could also not be established. Harnlets, however,
still existed in those locations where water could be acquired. In
most cases, this was acquired by boat from distances varying
between five to ten kilometers whereas previously it was
available in the creeks themselves. On further investigations it
was discovered that the herders had migrated to the northern
parts of the Sako taluka and that the majority of the Dabla clans
had migrated to the Karachi coastal villages.
Our study included a survey of the coastal villages of the
Karachi region. In five out of eight villages we found Dabla clan
migrants from the Delta. They were living on the fringes of the
villages in extremely poor conditions. Permission to build a
shack (not a pucca house) on the village lands had been granted
to them and for this they paid by working as hired labour for
fishing trips at half or even less than half of the normal wage.
This permission to occupy land is given by the powerful beoparis
who control the economic activities of these villages. The older
generation was of the view that they were much better off in the
Delta where they could trade fish for other nec6ssarf
commodities of life which were available with other Delta
communities such as the Khaskhelis (who were agdculturists)
and Jats (who were herders). Here in the Karachi villages, all
dealings were in cash, and this had resulted in their being
exploited and in debt. They saw little hope for the future. It was
estimated in 1989 that there were over fifteen thousand extended
Dabla families in Karachi's coastal villages. Elders also spoke of
Indus Flow Downstrqm Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? 49
a major migration to the riverine areas of the Indus. This

migration and its repercussions have never been researched and
documented.
During this visit, we also visited Kotri Allahrakhio Shah. In
1960, there were dense forests on either side of the river. These
were all gone and instead the riverbanks were nothing more than
silt and dust for miles on end. Charcoal making that was carried
out here by the Jats had also almost disappeared and the
extensive mat and kanna lattice making workshops had also
ceased to exist. There was no demand for them. No houses were
being built or renovated. The settlements had diminished or
vanished. There were also very few animals on the lower reaches
of Hajamro and almost no boats when previously there used to
be hundreds of them.
We tried to visit Achu and Wasain at the mouth of the
Khobar creek. I had known these settlements as a young man.
We could not get to them because the sea had almost swallowed
them up and we were told that in any case, there were only a few
houses left in these once large and prosperous villages. Both the
settlements, which once had access to potable river water, now
acquire water by boat. Locals were of the opinion, that it was just
a matter of time before the sea would wash out the settlements
completely. Similarly, we visited the two Shah Bunder sites (one
on the left and the other on the right bank of the river) and Juno.
It was difficult to get to them and the archaeological sites had
been damaged irreparably. The ruins of abandoned settlements
littered the landscape.
We spent two nights at Keti Bunder and its surrounding areas.
The settlement was a shadow of its former self. Its impressive
public buildings were in ruins and unoccupied. Some of its
beautiful cast iron street lampposts were still visible but they
were not linked to any energy system. The port itseli which at
any given time used to have a large number of dowhs anchored
in it, now only had a few fishing boats. At the Bunder
embankment we met Iqbal Memon, a beopari with whom I have
kept in touch since then. He explained that the dowhs used to
carry rice, timber, charcoal camels and other delta products to

the coastal regions of Balochistan and the Gulf. However, this
was no longer possible since the Delta region produces no rice,
timber was almost non-existent and due to the shortage of
potable water the producers of charcoal and the herders had
migrated further north and now used the road system for
transporting their goods. We met with them at Gharo and Sakro.
Most of them had given up their traditional occupations and
become day wage construction or agricultural labour.
This devastation is not limited to the Delta region alone.
Anyone who has traveled on the Thatta-Sajawal road over the
last thirty years as I have and has crossed the Indus in the
process has seen the slow disappearance of the riverine forests
on either side. This is because in the absence of the river water,
the forests cannot regenerate.
The study also generated some statistics, which are now out
of date. It is necessary to update them and I have attempted to do
this below.
o Data from 1980-81 to 1997-98 shows that 95 per cent of
farmland in Sindh gets water from the inigation system and
5 per cent from tube wells. In the case of the Punjab, 19.1
per cent cultivation is carried out by tube wells.
(Agricuttural Statistics of Pakistan 1998-99 and National
water Sector Profile, ADB/GOP 2001)
o Less than 5 MAF groundwater is available in Sindh and it is
present in only 28 per cent of the entire area of the province.
So the Indus remains the only viable source.
o 28 per cent of the geographic area of Sindh is cultivated as

opposed to 77.4 per cent of Punjab. (Drought South Asia
Water Vision 20-25, Country Report Pakistan)
o More than 50 per cent of the cultivated area in Sindh is
severely affected by salinity and waterJogging (Rapid
Assessment of LBOD, ADB, Manila 2000).
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Ba.rage: Need or wastage? 5l
Satellite surveys of the mangrove forests show that they have

decreased from 263.000 ha in 1977 to less than 160,000 ha
in 1991. They are the sixth largest mangrove forests in the
world. (Farah and Meynel, IUCN 1992) This decrease is
increasingly because of the absence of fresh water from the
lndus for these forests.
The Indus Delta once occupied 2,600 square kilometer area

consisting of creeks, mud flats and forests between Karachi
and the Runn of Kutch. The active Delta is now only 10 per
cent area. (Prof. Mushtaq Mirani, Water
of its original
Resources, unpublished paper, 2002)
Due to the decline in the annual inundation from the Indus,

the regeneration of riverine forest has declined from 2,617
'1978-79
ha in to 877 ha in 2001-02.
Half of Keti Bunder taluka, two tappas and four dehs in
Sakro taluka, three tappas in Kharo Chaan taluka have lost
their fertility due to the seawater intrusion. (SZAOiST,
Sustainable Agricuhure in Sindh) In 2002, eight talukas of
Badin and Thatta districts were subjected to a massive sea
intrusion. Approximately 1.23 million acres of land was
affected. Over 33 per cent of these districts are subjected to
sea intrusion. (Expressed by Secretary of Power and
Irrigation, Government of Sindh and quoted in an
unpublished paper on Forestry by hla Fazal Ahmed Baqi,
2002)
The volume of.silt feeding the Delta has reduced from 200
million tonnes per year in 1974 to 63 million tonnes per year
in 1991. This silt brought with it neutrants essential for fish
and other wildlife in the delta. In the year 2000, 84,691
metric tonnes valued at Rs 7.9 billion fish and fish products
were exported from Pakistan. 48 per cent of this was
produced in Sindh and much of it from the Indus Delta
region and the Sindh coast. (Economic Survey of Pakistan,
52 Indus Flow Downstream Kotd Banage: Need or Wastage?
2000-01) Without water from the Indus, this is bound to fall

and eventually disappear.
o The UN has declared the year 2003 as the Intemational Year

for Freshwater. The Indus Delta (472.800 ha) along with two
other Sindh sites, have been declared as the new protected
sites under the RAMSAR Convention. Wildlife in the
mangrove forests of the Delta consists of reptiles, 200
species of fish, over 56 species of migratory waterfowl,
tropical dolphins, porpoises and various forms of reptiles'
Due to sea intrusion, most areas have become saline and as
such cannot support any form of wildlife. The situation is
becoming worse ProgressivelY.
The above statistics paint a very grim future for the province
of Sindh as a whole and for the area below Kotri in particular'
This is not only a grim picture for Sindh but also for Pakistan
since Sindh is a major contributor to Pakistan's economy' It is
therefore not out of place to see the extent to which Sindh
contributes to the economy and development of Pakistan' Some
figures are given below.
. Sindh contains 54 per cent of the country's textile units, 45
per cent of its sugar mills, 20 per cent of pulp and paper
mills, 34 per cent of total industrial capacity in large scale
manufacturing and 25 per cent in small scale manufacturing'
In addition, the province produces 35 per cent of all
manufactured edible oil in the country.
. 60 per cent of the country's oil fields and 44 per cent gas
fields are located in Sindh.'In addition, 56 per cent oil and 37
per cent gas of Pakistan's daily production is from Sindh'
(Federal Bureau of Statistics)
o In the agricultural sector again, Sindh is a major producer'
14 per cent wheat, 43 per cent rice, 30 per cent sugar cane,
25 per cent cotton, 40 per cent onions, 81 per cent chilies
und 35 p", cent tomatoes produced in Pakistan are from
Sindh. (igricalra ral Statistics of Pakistan, 1997-98 and
Development Statistics of Sindh 1998)
. 48 per cent of fish export from Pakistan is produced in

Sindh. 71 per cent of marine fish resources, 65 per cent of
freshwater fish resources and 100 per cent of brackish water
fish resources are located in Sindh. (Economic Suney of
Pakistan, 2000-01 , quoted in an unpublished paper by
Khursheed Din Syed)
o Sindh is also home to 28 per cent buffalos, 27 per cent cattle,
24 per cent sheep, 28 per cent camels and 40 per cent poultry
in Pakistan. (Livestock Census, Special Report on Pakistan,
1994
o Six of the major wetlands in the country are located in
Sindh. Another three important Sindh sites have been added
to them recently. The province also contains the only
substantial large-scale mangrove forests in the country.
. Sindh collects 70 per cent of Pakistan's income tax and 62
per cent of sales tax. Almost 70 per cent of the national
revenues forming the divisible pool are collected from Sindh
but its share in revenue transfer is only 23.28 per cent.
(lmtiaz Shaikh, Making NFC Award Fair: Daily Dawn, 3l
May 2002)
This is an enormous contribution for a province that contains
only 23 percent of Pakistan's population. Sindh's contribution to
Pakistan's economy and development should be an integral part
of the discussion on the sharing of water resources.
Question -Answer Session

Q: We keep on referring to research and studies carried out by
iitemational agencies. How much ban we rely on these studiles,
and why we should, not hnve our own authentic studies/
evaluation to fac ilitate policymaking 7
Brig. Iqbal, GM (Project South) WAPDA
I think we have had many studies. SiiI,SlSl has done research

studies and different other organisations have also conducted
studies. Brigadier Iqbal Sahib, if you want the details of those

studies we can provide You.
Q: Qhe major cause of water logging and saliniry in Sindh is.

ixcissive iirigation water allowance- This also obviates the need
for Sindh to rely on groundwater of marginal quality which in
case of Punjab is being used due to much lower canal make
allowince- bon't you think there a need to rationalize canal
is
water supplies so that it could help control waterlogging and
salinity " ?
Mr. Ahmed Khan Bhatt
Actually it is not like that. Yes, it is correct that you should

always manage water in a better way. It is as good for Punjab as
it is ior Sindti. We can of course manage better and save water in
the process of management but the groundwater of Sindh unlike
in most of Punjab cannot be used for irrigation purposes And
this is one of the major reasons why silinity and water logging
through normal processes, which are used in the Punjab, is not
very successful in Sindh because the sub-soil water is saline'
Q: Is the destruction of Delta the result of the inter-provincial

Tistribution of water or has it its roots in the Indus Basin Treaty?
Brig. Iqbal GM (Project South) WAPDA
I think a numberof issues are involved in it. I don't think we

can pinpoint just one issue and say this is the only reason' But
the situation where we have reached now, I think, there is a lot of
feeling that it ls because of unequal inter:provincial distribution
of waier. You can have more improved, better and just inter-
provincial distribution. I think this issue needs to be addressed"
'Whol"
i..u"t of this kind, which promote fragmentation'
political fragmentation, which promote discord, need to be
addressed in the larger interest of the country.
(s)
Flow Downstream Kotri:
Need of National Roadmap
Syed Shahi.d Hussain
Waters of the lndus river system were being distributed

among the provinces on an ad-hoc basis until March 1991. Then
an Accord was reached. The four Chief Ministers met in Lahore
and agreed on the distribution of the water between the
provinces. The signatories to the agreement included four Chief
Ministers: N{/s Ghulam Haider Wyne, Jam Sadiq Ali, Mir Afzal
Khan and the Mir Taj Muhammad Jamali. Chief Minister Sindh
presided over a contrived political system, which disregarded all
democratic norrns by sidelining PPP, which actually represented
Sindh (Rural) and continues to do so. Jam Sadiq's signature on
Box: I
Important Paras of Water Accord 1991
PARA`
The need for storages, wherever feasible on the Indus and other rivers
was admitted and recognized by the participants for planned future
agricultural development.
PARA 7
The need for certain rninimum escapage to sea, below Kotri, to check sea
intrusion was recognized. Sindh held the view, that the optimum level
was l0 MAF, which was discussed at length, while other studies
indicated lower/trigher figures. It was, therefore, decided that further
studies would be undertaken to establish the minimal escapage needs
down stream Kotri.
PARA 14 (b)
The record of actual average system uses for the period 1977-82 would
form the guideline for developing a future regulation pattern. These ten
daily uses would be adjusted pro-rata to correspond to the indicated
seasonal allocations of the different canal systems and would form the
basis for sharing shortages and surpluses on all Pakistan bases.
the agrdement does not represent the will of the people of Sindh
particularly the rural part. Among the crucial clauses were 6 and
7. Another crucial element of the agreement that formed the
basis for distribution was incorporated in clause l4(b) of the
agreemeilt. The agreement was based on dishonesty because to
make it acceptable to all the four Provinces quantity of water
was exaggerated at 117 MAF, 9 percent higher than available.
Occasions have been rare when water availability has touched
that optimistic mark envisaged by the signatories of the Accord.
lhere was euphoria at having reached an agreement although the
distribution of Indus waters remained as satisfactory or
unsatisfactory as before. The other two acts of dishonesty were
inherent in clauses 6 and 7 . Punjab thought that clause 6 meant
an agreement from Sindh, Balochistan and NWFP to the
construction of Kalabagh and other mega dams. The language
was susceptible to various interpretations. Similarly clause 7 was
intended to provide comfort to Sindh for greater share of water
for flows downstream of Kotri barrage so as to check sea
intrusion. 10 MAF as an optimum level was discussed and it was
decided that further studies would be undertaken to establish the
minimum needs.
The agreement was provided a legal cover through an Act of
Tabl :1
Water Av lability, P,
Fiscal Y ar Watcr Availability
l AF)
1990 91 119.62
1991-92 122.05
1992 93 125112
1993-94 128,01
1994-95 129.65
1995 96 130.85
1996 97 . 132.05
1997 98 122115
1998,99 133.78

1999-00 133.28
1 2000101 134,77
2001..02 134139
Source:Eca 2 2
"
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? Sj
the Parliament called Indus River System Authority Act 1992.

The Act may have been intended as an embodiment of bonhomie
among the four Provinces but in actual practice it suffered from
various flaws. Its inherent defects included appointment of a
federal nominee, which as a matter of fact was intended solely to
provide a berth to a well-connected retiring Joint Secretary in the
Ministry of Water and Power. No qualifications were prescribed
except that the nominees should be eminent engineers. But this
was interpreted to mean anything to accord with the personal
preferences of the rulers. It was tempting; on the other hand, for
the engineers not to leave their lucrative jobs in Irrigation
&Power Departments to suffer "capital" punishment in
Islamabad. The Provincial Governments therefore nominated
retired engineers who had a vested interest in perpetuating
themselves by keeping their govemments happy. This was a
recipe for deadlock because the representatives of Provincial
Govemments did not want to take decisions, having forfeited
their independence by virtue of their appointment during the
pleasure of their govemments.
Getting more to the point which is the subject matter of this
seminar, the last 11 years of the constitution of IRSA have not
produced any worthwhile agreement and certainly not on the
level of escapages required for downstream of Kotri. The studies
required for this determination have not been undertaken for
want of agreement on the TORs. Sindh and Punjab have locked
horns on their respective TORs. A basis of compromise to have
two separate studies could not pass muster of IRSA. Whether the
deadlock is inherent in the composition of IRSA or is a question
of our attitudes is a ftoot point: This reminds me of an informal
meeting that took place in my office, way back in 1992 or 93,
when I was Additional Secretary (Water). Federal and Sindh
representatives had carried the ongoing dispute into my office. I
became a self-appointed tribunal. In a lighter vein, I asked the
Federal representative to state his case first. He did. The Sindh
representative heard it all very politely but without listening.
Then it was the tum of Sindh representative to speak, but the
moment he began the Federal representative intemrpted him. He

objected on the ground that his was a parochial point of view. I
asked him what did he think of his own point of view. Did it not
qualify for the same epithet? He indignantly asserted that his was
a national point of view, because he was a nominee of the
Federal Government. I then remarked that from Sindh point of
view this could as well be construed an equally parochial point
of view. Obviously the meeting ended without a meeting of
minds. It was a replay of whatever they may have been
discussing in formal meetings of IRSA.
It is a subcontinental dilemma that we lack the art of
negotiations or a will to compromise. Even Indus water treaty
was an imposition and a result of enormous outside pressure on
these two countries. There came a moment when it seemed that
the treaty would not receive the agreement of the two
protagonists. Ayub Khan is reported to have said when he
reluctantly agreed to some clause of the Indus Water Treaty that
he had no more choice because there was nothing better on offer.
Even in 1971 we refused to settle our differences with our own
people belonging to that province, but bowed before the military
might of India to accept an undignified surrender. 56 years after
independence, there is a gap between the people and the rulers
on the one hand and between one province and another. We are
poles apart and refuse to talk to each other. Is that a basis for an
optimistic future? Certainly not.
The differences between Sindh and Punjab are limited not
only to the sharing of water but also to the sharing of national
resources and political power. How can we hope to settle our
differences'with Inilia when we have miserably failed to agree on
terms of reference between two provinces, which would provide
only a starting point for discussion, may be, leading to an
agreement?
We lack a road map, national or sub-national. Therefore we
are at the crossroad. In point of fact, you will always find us at
one crossroad or another. The term is worse than a clich6.
Constitution has been an off and on affair. Until 1956 we had no
lndus FIow Downstream Kotri Bartage: Need ot Wastage? 59
constitution and finally when we had one, little before the first
elections could be held under the constitution in early 1959
martial law struck which lasted for 13 years and included two
Martial Law Administrators. Only dismemberment of the
country sobered the military to reluctantly part with some power
to share it with their civilian counterparts. That govemment was
also overthrown by the military, which ruled for l1 and half
years. A brief decade of democracy intemrpted rather very
frequently lasted until 1999. And we are back again to the
pattern. Democracy has been replaced with dictatorship and
dialogue with deadlock. Democracy has only been an aberration,
military dictatorship the norm. Even the present crisis owes its
source to the absence of constitution or a road map. As a matter
of fact there are two Constitutions, one as understood by the
ruling clique and the other by the opposition. The people do not
count. They never did.

Table: 2

Water Distribution According!qya19tA!qq411991

TOTAL

PROVINCE KHARIF

PUNJAB 3707 5594

4876

SINDH* 3394
NWFP a) 348 578
b)CIVlL 180 3 C
CANALS**
Balochistan 285 102 387
Total 7734 3701 11435
Dcnd Sur us 1 80 1 20 3
element of discord in the Accord is the
of historical uses of water, according to which the shortages have
to be shared by two, the main provinces. In a meeting chaired by
the then Minister for Water and Power Mr. Ghulam Mustafa
Khar in Lahore on May 2, 1994 it was decided in total negation
of the provision of the Act that pre-Accord distribution of water
would take place. Sindh representative was over-ruled because
Punjab had two votes including that of the Federal
representative, who thought that he represented the national
point of view by merely being a nominee of the federal
government. The present military govemment tried to tum the

scales and corrected this anomaly by nominating a person from
Sindh against the Federal seat. There were now reports in the
press in Punjab criticizing this arrangement on the ground that
Sindh had an unfair advantage. This fact was never noticed
during the previous decade, when Punjab enjoyed the same
unfair advantage it was now accusing Sindh of enjoying.
For resolution of disputes, the Act provides for a reference to
the Council of Common Interests. To quote "a provincial
Govemment or WAPDA, may, if aggrieved by any decision of
the authority, make a reference to the Council of Common
Interests (CCI)". Between 1975 and 1998, there have been only
nine meetings of the CCI and only once did this matter of flows
below Kotri was discussed on September 16'h 1991. There it was
decided that 'the study to establish minimal escapages needs
down stream Kotri should be completed within one year of the
signing of the agreement'. How many years have passed?
Twelve, no less. And the CCI has no powers to enforce its
decisions and so we are still at the discussion stage of the TORs
only. Real issues will arise if and when the results of these
studies are before us. Law provides no sanction against the
recalcitrant province for defying the orders of this constitutional
body.
Even if an aggrieved party wishes to go to the CCI, there is
no CCI to go to. CCI has not been in existence since the military
take-over. So it is not the Accord or the Act, which can provide
for a settlement in the absence of the forum. There is no
guarantee that a decision of CCI will be implemented because in
a different case WAPDA refusetl to accept a lower tariff for local
councils, which was a quid pro quo for the four Provinces
foregoing huge taxes required to be paid to them by Wapda for
corporatization of DISCOs and GENCOs.
Then there was this ministerial decision of May 02, 1994
bypassing the CCI and IRSA. It was an invalid decision unless
adopted by IRSA. Even IRSA will have hard time taking a
decision contrary to the provisions of the Act.
The spirit of compromise is missing. The will to compromise
arises in one's mind. When we are busy scoring points we are
totally oblivious of the costs we impose on the people of this
country by failing to grapple with the issues. Moreover, it is
difficult to expect the retired civil servants hankering after jobs
to compromise for fear of offending their employers back home.
it is very difficult to get a solurion from this platform because
unless there is an agreement between the two provinces funher
progress is impossible. Punjab believes that whatever quantity of
water is required to flow down stream of Kotri must come from
Sindh's share; and Sindh on rhe other hand believes rhar this is
not a Sindh problem but a national one and the share of water
must come from the collective share. There are reports that 2
million acres of Indus Delta have dried up causing enornous
economic hardship to the population living there. Mangroves
have been lost and so has been the fish. Sea has intruded ddep
inside causing environmental havoc. According to a survey
conducted in July 2002, fertile agricultural lands on riverbanks
had become barren due to salinity. It has to be understood that
the ecology of the area and the well being ofthe people ofSindh
is not the exclusive preserve or responsibility of Sindh. It is a
national problem and all the four Provinces have to own up to it.
It would be perfectly logical to suggesr that the respective
TORs of the two provinces should be studied through
independent consultants chosen in a transparent manner by the
Ministry of Water and Power. Only after the studies have been
made, could there be a basis for discussion.
IRSA as constituted is incapable of reaching agreement. The
results of the two studies should be takeri to the CCI for
resolution. It would be the best to reconstitute IRSA by having
provincial secretaries P&I as ex-officio members, with each oni
presiding for a year in alphabetic order. In case of deadlock
matter may be taken either to the CCI and the Govemment musts
show the resolve to enforce the decision of the CCI.
The latest is, that rhe Govemment has taken a decision in a
meeting of October 21, 2002 chaired by Secretary, Ministry of
Water and Power to have the following two studies funded under
the National Drainage Programme:
. A study on sea intrusion, for which the TORS have
already been approved by IRSA.
. Another study on the other issues like environment,
fisheries, mangroves, coastal zone, etc., for which the
TORs already prepared by Sindh, should be reviewed
and finalized by CEA"/CFFC and Chairman IRSA.
A Steering Committee headed by Chief Engineering Advisor
and comprising 11 members has been constituted "in order to
maintain transparency and good govemance and to oversee the
process of evaluation, award of two studies and to monitor their
implementation". Draft TORS of the two studies are shown in the
annexure l. The first meeting of the Steering Committee was
held on April 8, 2003 with a view to carry the process forward.
The intention was to consider sealed bids received in response to
Expression of Interest (EoI) with the concurrence of the World
Bank. According to the minutes the Steering Committee was to
prepare a list of consulting firms, prepare criteria and give a
schedule.
The first meeting of the Steering Committee got bogged
down in the usual controversy. Sindh insisted on adherence to
the decision of October 21, 2002 whereas Punjab objected for
not having been involved in the finalization of the TORs for the
two studies. It further objected that environmental concems were
not necessary to be studied. Punjab proposed that the issue of
EOIs should be kept pending till its objections were met. It
perhaps is trying to make up for the inattention of its
representative in the crucial meetiig of October 21, 2002. Sindh
not to be left behind suggested its own improvements to the
TORS agreed at the higher forum. They are a mouthful and make
up a tidy bit. This in itself is a breach of the sanctity of the
decision and Punjab can't be blamed for suggesting its own
obiections long after the time for such antics is past. Where do
we go from here? That is for this seminar to recommend.
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barage: Need or Wastage?
Annexurer
TORs of Study -I
Water Escapags Belos Kotri Barrage to Check Seawatcr Intrusion
(As Approved on 21-10-2002)
i). Study Objectives

The specific objective of the Study is to determine the minimum desirable
quantity of Indus Water that needs to pass through Kotri Barrage rhroughour
the year to alleviate adverse impacts, if any, downstream of Kotri Barrage and
suggest structural and/ or non-structural measures to anest/stop the current salt
water intrusion into the delta areas from the sea.
ii) Study Period

The study is estimated to take twelve (12) months for completion after
signing of the agreement.
iiD Scope of work

The scope of work for the study activities include, but is not limited tol
i). CollectiDg all available maps, satellite imageries, reports, models and other
information on the lndus River from Kotri Barrage to Sea, covering the pattem
of river flows and sea tides in delta/ coastal area.
ii). Carrying out a preliminary field review and analysis of the available
information to determine any serious lack of data required for the Study.
iii) Analyze data and find out relationship, if any, betweel seawater intrusion
(both in terms of surface as well as groundwater contaminations) and the
quantity of freshwater escaping below Kotri Ba.rage.
iv). Develop a computer model to simulate flow pattems and saline intrusion
under past and future flow pattems and assess the impact on water quality in
the river channel below Kotri Barrage.
v). Provide altemative solutions to mirfmize the seawater intrusion up the river
system as follows:
a) Establish th degree of seawater intrusion that has occu[ed eince the
operation of Kotri Barrage began and its current monthly pattem.
b) Determine the impact on groundwater of seawater intrusion into the Indus
River and the consequent effect on wells used for irrigation and domestic
purposes.
c) Determine the location and feasibility of constructing weirs or barages
below Kotri Barrage for controlling seawater intrusion.
d) Develop non-structural altematives for controlling the seawater intrusion and
determine the costs ofno control.
vi) Establish the minimum quantum of freshwater below Kotri Barrage to
check seawater intrusion.
\ii). Develop a recommended monitoring and evaluation programme for each

of the altemate minimum flow scenarios. The programme should include
suitable monitoring procedures, a network of monitoring stations and estimated
establishment and annual costs.
TORS of the Study -II

Water Escapages Downstream Kotri Barrage to Address Environment-al
Concerns
(As Approved on 21-10.2002)
i). Study Objectives

The specific obje.tive of the Study is to determine the minimum desirable
quantity of Indus Water that needs to pass through Kotri Ba.rage and its
distribution throughout the year to preserve the ecology and environment ofthe
Delta arcas with regard to forests and mangroves, fisheries, flora and fauna.
ii). Study Period

The study is estimated to take twelve (12) months for completion after
signing of the agreement.
iii). Scope of Work

The scope of work for the study activities include, but are not limited to:
a) Collection of all available reports (published and un-published) relating to
the development and effects of development on the e{osystem below Kotri
Baflage.
b) Collection of maps and satellite imageries for the area below Kotri Barrage
to the sea that will show the changes in the natural environment since Kotri
Barrage became operational.
of
c) Collection all information conceming past, curent aDd future
developments upsteam of Kotri Barrage that have and will effect the flows and
water quantity at Kotri Barrage.
d) Collection information on the population changes in the Study Arca, their
location and the impact of waste and industrial pollution on the natural
envircnment likely to b affected by the changing retease patteins.
e) Identification of the changes in forest size, density and health since Kotri
Barage became operational and determine the likely causes for those changes.
f) Determining the past and present rcle of the mangrove forest in the socio-
economics of the area and analyzing the effects of years of low flows and high
flows on the mangrove forests.
g) Determining the silt and nutrient demands of the mangrove ecosystem and
the proportion provided by the Indus River discharge.
h) Determining the effects on the fishery industries over time from
developments on the Indus River (past and future).
i) Recommending ecologically sound altemative agricultural practices to

minimize water use upstream and adverse environmental impacts in the Study
Area.
j) Identification of the pollutants that are entering the system from sources
below Kotd Barrage and recommend actions needed to cortrol or dilute
said pollutants to acceptable Ievels.
k) Determining water required to sustain present irrigation in the riverine arcas
between Kotd Barrage and the sea and domestic water use for the rural
population below Kot.i Barrage,
i) Studying and recommending ecologically acceptable altematives to conserve
and sustain the present ecosystem downstream of Kotri Barrage in the context
of planned upstream development and examine the trade_;ffs of upstream
versus downstream effects.
(6)
Indus Delta Degradation:
Loss of Natural Capital
Irfan Mufti
The issue of degradation of the Indus Delta region where

sweet water used to meet with the salt waters of sea is one of the
most important water related problems in the country. Built up
by the discharge of large quantity of silt washed down the Indus
River from the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges, the lndus
Delta eco-system has been rich in nutrients that provide a
necessary and early feeding ground for many varieties of shrimp
and fish.
The Indus Delta being the richest in the natural resources of
fishing and agriculture in the past is now facing serious threats of
degradation. One of the major causes of the gradual death and
destruction of the Delta is the reduction of freshwater flows from
the Indus River. It has badly hit the eco-system of the Delta. The
social and ecological impact of this degradation has been
enormous and far-reaching;
Constant reduction in the fish catch has badly affected the
incomes of the fisherfolk communities and has consequently
driven thbm towaras worst-ever poverty. In the recent UNDP
re-port Badin has been declared the most deprived district of the
country, though it contributes 677o domestic oil production.
Influential landlords have forcefully occupied coastal creeks
after losing their land in the progressive seawater intrusion and
salinity. They are depriving the indigenous fishermen of their
livelihoods and exploiting fish resources in unsustainable
manner. Fisherwomen are bearing the brunt of degradation of
Indus Delta, due to sharp decline in fish catch and degradation of

other livelihood resources. Faced with severe poverty and hunger
with destruction of delta and increasing poverty and
marginalization the deltaic women have been converted into a
most vulnerable section of the society.
Besides, coastal waters are being polluted by drainage
effluent from the left and right bank outfall drains, which dispose
off thousand of cusecs of agriculture effluent containing
pesticides, chemicals that threaten the survival of fish species in
sea area. Similarly, millions of gallons of urban and industrial
effluent of Karachi are also disposed off in the coastal water. The
fisherfolk community of the Indus Delta is facing the problems
of the marketing of their fish-catch. Fish market being only in
Karachi, a lot of resources are required to transport fish to
Karachi, which usually results in damage to fish catch. Thus
fisherman due to poverty and lack of institutional credit system
are compelled to sell their fish catch to middlemen of throwaway
prices. Due to reduction in fish catch many fishermen use
unsustainable methods of fishing including use of harmful nets,
which results in genocide of the juvenile fish species further
aggravate the problems of livelihood resources' degradation in
deltaic region.
The other problem faced by the coastal communities is the
severe shortage of drinking water. The majority of the coastal
communities depend for their livelihood on 17 creeks through
which the Indus water flowed into the sea in the past. Due to the
gradual and severe decline in sweet water flows the salt water of
the sea has replaced the sweet Indus water in these creeks
resulting in destruction of agriculture and pasturelands ?round
these creeks, creating worst ever freshwater shortages. People
living close to these creeks are unable to have freshwater for
drinking purpose, what to talk about freshwater for agriculture
and fisheries.
Unfortunately the government statistics and papers have
failed to present the actual picture of the situation and the
damages incurred to our ecology, natural capital and society"
Those figures have lost credibility and trust from the people.
Time and again we have been deceived, misinformed and
cheated by figures and statistics tempered and fudged by the
official channels. The story of water distribution and allocation
to provinces is a story of foul play and deception. Agreements
made in legitimate forums like IRSA have been changed
arbitrarily and violated. The biggest examples in the case are the
arbitrary use of Chashma-Jehlum and Taunsa-Panjnud link
canals though meant for flood purposes but are used perennially.
ln such a situation the question arises as to how should we
look at the issue of the damages in the Indus Delta: loss
amounting to millions of natural capital over the years and who
is to be held responsible? In fact, no altemative sources are
available, and whatever information we get is from govemment
official sources. Besides, no public discourse or debates are
encouraged to adopt a political solution of the problem.
Similarly, although the 1991 Water Accord was a social contract
but it has been amended and violated. Such an arbitrary
implementation of the Accord should not have been allowed.
What we have leamed from our past follies is that the answer
lies in the context of domestic politics. A democratic
government, accountable to the peoplc as a whole is better able
to withstand intemational pressures. General Ayub Khan's
military regime faced a crisis of legitimacy and was susceptible
to pressures from foreign governments and intemational
creditors. The solution of such problems lies in setting up a true
democratic system and by using the potential of people.
However, any attempt to deal with the issue in an
uidemocratic and non-political manner 'complicates the matter
further. The arbitrary removal of a consensual framework for
water sharing i.e. Water Accord 1991, is bound to create
misgivings and bittemess straining inter-provincial relations on
the one hand and creating tensions between the center and the
provinces on the other.
Such disputes, disagreements and rivalries between different
the constituents of the state should be managed within an agreed
10 Indus Flow Downstream Kot.i Barrage: Ned or Wastage?
institutional framework. If not, then parties to the dispute will

take their disagreements outside the existing framework. Federal
democratic institutions provide an important framework for the
resolution of issues such as the riparian conflict. It is a
framework that enjoys a high level of legitimacy and consensus
among the people of different parts of Pakistan.
Conclusion:
The water shonage is the most serious crisis facing the
country today. On test, is not merely our ability to manage the
distribution of water between the provinces, but also the ability
of the federal system to resolve conflicting claims over
increasing scarce resources. In this respect, the attempt to impose
military style and interest-based solutions really symbolizes the
failure of federal political management to resolve any such issue
of national importance. The issue of lndus water flow
downstream Kotri is as important as any other national issue
which affects not only the economic and social aspects of our
national life but also damages the already fragile political
stability in the country.
There is a genuine water shortage and there is an urgent need
to adopt short-term and long term measures for water
conservation. And that altering cropping pattems, by phasing out
relatively more water intensive crops,'is one of the medium- to-
long-term measures, which is unquestionable. If a decision of
production of water intensive crops has to be taken, then the
decision should be applied for the crops to be sown anyrvhere in
the country. Sindh should not be a$itrarily singled out in this
policy.
Water distribution may be a technical and engineering task,
but water allocation is a political task and requires political
solutions. Assigning the water distribution task to any other
undemocratic body or agency would amount to proclaiming that
solutions of such politically sensitive issues are not being taken
seriously. A perusal of the history of water management in
Pakistan actually exposes the fact that the issue has never been
lndus Flow Downstream Kotri Barage: Need or Wastage? 1l
addressed or resolved in the framework of the larger political
interests of the country and that the damages of the water crisis
are not taken seriously, something which can only result in
further aggravating the crises.
The country that is Pakistan is geopolitically almost
synonymous with the Indus Basin. The Indus river system is its
lifeline. It is far better that a dispute is seen and treated as a
disagreement of one party with the ruling of the federal
institution, rather than as a head-on clash between two federating
units. As long as the water allocation dispute remained within
the ageed limits of IRSA and Sindh, there are no disputes
between the people of Punjab and of Sindh that cannot be
resolved within a consensual framework -with some measure of
give-andtake on both sides.
Military regimes and undernocratic institutions have been
proven to be incapable of mediating political disputes. This
proved true in arriving at a power-sharing arrangement in l97l
and is true with respect to water distribution formulas. These are
the domains of political govemments. It was the political
government of Nawaz Sharif, which mediated a water
distribution accord between the provinces in 1991. It is the
nature of a military dispensation that a solution is handed down
by an executive fiat, leaving only dissatisfaction in its wake. It is
the nature of a political arrangement that a process of
accommodation ensures an agreement that is largely acceptable
to all the contending parties.
The shortage of water is afflicting all the provinces of
Pakistan. How the crisis is managed will determine whether it
unites the provinces in dealing with the riatural adversity or
divides them on the crucial issue of sharing of the vital
resources. A democratic representative govemment should take
all the relevant and urgent steps to restore confidence of all the
provinces on the water allocation system and enable the people
of Pakistan to be united in dealing with the crisis of livelihoods
of people in a spirit of give and take.
i2 lndus Flow Downstream Kotri Barage: Need or Wastage?
Recommendations
o No more mega irrigation projects, especially big dams,
should be constructed on Indus River.
o WAPDA should be decentralized to create provincial level
Water Authorities. Decision-making on water allocations
should be done through IRSAlike forums, which should
guarantee equal representation of all the provinces, and the
decisions should be taken on the basis of consensus.
. The water shortage load should be divided equally and fairly
over all the provinces. Upper riparian, in this case Punjab, is
increasing its needs and enjoys complete control over the
water systems. Ar environment of political trust should be
restored. Punjab and Sindh need to undertake immediate
confidence-building measures to avoid further political
losses, which can only harm to the national integrity. Such
decisions should be taken in political forums (e.g. parliament
or other elected bodies). A fair and just formula of allocation
needs to be evolved. IRSA should be constituted with the
increased inclusion technical experts from all the provinces
and decisions should not be taken on the basis of majority
votes but purely on the basis of consensus.
o The coastal/deltaic population of Indus Delta should be
considered as the real affectees of irrigation projects
including dams, and reservoirs, and special programs should
be launched for the economic rehabilitation of the coastal
population, providing them compensation for the economic
losses with sustained alternative livelihood.
. At least l0 MAF water should be ensured dtwnstream Kotri
Barrage as agreed in the Water Accord of 1991"
o Disposal of agicultural, industrial as well as urban effluent
in Indus Delta should be stopped. Plans should be prepared
for the treatment of urban as well as industrial effluents of
Karachi. Other provinces should make alternative
arrangements for treatment and reuse of the drainage water
within their provinces instead of putting such drainage into

Indus River and Indus Delta.
. The government authorities should take serious action
against those sea lords who have illegally occupied a number
of Indus Delta creeks and use arms and militaristic means to
discourage fisherfolk communities from fishing in these
areas.
o The fishing right of the indigenous fisher communities of the
coastal areas should be acknowledged and fisheries policy
should be formulated in consultation with representatives of
the fishing communities. Similarly a sustainable plan for
coastal management should be prepared and implemented.
. Proper representation of fisher folk communities in all
federal and provincial policy making forums, institutions and
departments related to fisheries sector should be ensured.
. An independent Civil Society Water Commission should be
setup to gather information, analyze and update public
opinion on these sensitive issues. Such a commission can
work under the umbrella of Parliament and provide services
like altemative information collection channels, monitoring
and supervision of decisions and actions by concemed
authorities and addressing grievances of all the aggrieved
parties or groups.
References
. Agricultural Statistics of Pakistan, Ministry of Food and Agricultural and
Livestock, Govemment of Pakistan, I 999-2000
. Apportionment of Indus Water Accord, .Report .lrrigation & Power
Department, Govemment ofPunjab by M.H. Siddiqui, 2001
. Sikander Brohi, Sustainable Livelihoods of Fisherfolk Communities of
Sindh, SZABIST, 1999
. Issues and Opponunities, Discussion paper prepared for the
lnterdepartmental Water-Resources Policy Group, Asian Development
Bank, August 1995.
. Ministry of Water and Power, Report on Future Strategy to Deal with
Present Water Crisis. (Date not mentioned)
. Sustaining Water - Population and the Future of Renewable Water
Supplies, Population Action Welfare. 1993.
. Three years Development Progmmme (2001-04), Planning Commission,

Govemment ofPakistan, February 26, 2001
. WSIP. (1990) Water Secror Investment Planning Study. Federal planning
CelU Consultants, Lahore - Pakistan.
. Ahmed, M. Marine Fisheries of Pakistan. Center of Excellence in Marine
Biology. University of Karachi, Pakistan, 1985
. Ali, Q.M., Mahmood, N. and Ghani, N. Preliminary Study on Shrimp and
finfish nursery ground in the Indus delta mangrove ecosystem. Final
Report, 1999
. Hoekstra, D.A. Outline Follow on project Indus Delta Mangove
rehabilitation and Replarting projert. Sub-project RRIDM (world
BanUGoS tunded), 1998
. Hokstra, D.A., Mahmood, N., Shah,C.R., Shah, W.A. Domki, M.A. and
Ali, Q.M. 1997.
. IUCN Socio-economic and Public health survey, 1987.
. IUCN Natural Resource Use Survey, Korangi / Phitti creek, 1992.
. Karim, A. Rehabilitation and Replanting of Indus Delra Mangroves. First
Assignment Report. DHV Consultants, 1997
. G.R. Sociological report: Indus delta Mangrove Ecosystem. Coastal Forest
Division - Sindh Forest Department- DHV- Consultants, 1998
. Shirkat Gah Socio-economic and Natural Resource Use Survey, in
Ibrahim Hydad and Rehri, 1997
(7)
Indus Delta Disaster
& Coastal Communities
Mohammad Ali Shah
Coastal Belt
The 150 kilometres long coastline of Pakistan is divided into
two major parts. The Sindh Coast, about 350 km in length,
extends from Karachi to the Indian border. Here the continental
shelf is broad, extending to a distance of 110 km from the coast,
which is indented by a number of creeks and by the [ndus Delta.
The Balochistan Coast extends from west of Karachi to the
kanian border and possesses a much narrower continental shelf
(15 to 50 km) with a number ofbays along its length. The coastal
belt of Sindh was well known in the past due to the larger
number of seaports in the various parts of the coast.
Indus Delta
The River Indus is the 25'h largest river svstem of the world.
Its length is 2,898 krn. The Indus Delta is situated on the borders
between Pakistan and India. The word Delta is called after the
triangular form of the Greek letter d' and was first used by
Herodotus. a Greek author, in the 5'' century BC to describe the
triangular shaped land at the mouth of River Nile. The present
Delta covers an area of about 600,000 hectares and is
characterised by 17 major creeks and innumerable minor creeks,
mud flats and fringing mangroves.
Degradation of Indus Delta & Its Causes

However, presently the coastal region of Sindh especially the
Indus Delta is faced with major degradation threats. One of the
major causes of the gradual destruction of the Delta is the

decreasing availability of freshwater flows from lndus River.
The reduction of freshwater flows from lndus River has badly hit
the ecosystem of Indus Delta located in the coastal zone of Sindh
province.
According to the government records, seawater intrusion has
resulted in tidal infringement over about 1.2 million acres of land
in the Indus Delta. This amounts to no less than 33 percent of the
total land in the districts of Badin and Thatta. Taking a closer
look, we find that Taluka Ghorabari has lost 31,490 acres;
Taluka Shah Bunder, 590,000 acres; Kharo Chaan, 117,823
acres; Taluka Mirpur Sakro, 60,178 acres; TalukaJaati,226,663
acres; Keti Bunder, 113,900 acres; Taluka Golarchi, 30,625
acres; and Taluka Badin, 49,179 acres.
Although 17 major creeks make up the original Delta, while
due to reduced flows below Kotri, only the area between the
Hajamro and Kharak creeks now receives water from the lndus,
and there is only one main outlet to the sea-Khobar Creek. The
active Delta is now only 10 per cent of its original area.
The mangrove forest in the Indus Delta is spread over some
700,000 acres and was once the sixth largest of its kind in the
world. It provides fuel wood to approximately 120,000 people,
forage to 16,000 camels, and other products to 28,570
households. The forest owes its sustenance to nutrient- loaded
silt in the estuaries. Mangroves also act as a shield against active
tidal erosion in the area. They support thousands of botanical,
aquatic and wildlife species and provide a nursery for most of
the 44 commercial fish and shrimp species in the deltaic area. All
these benefits are dependent on the survival of the mangrove
forest, which in turn needs freshwater flow in the estuaries.
According to satellite observations made in 1998, the mangrove
cover has been reduced to only 400,000 acres, of which only
125,000 acres are healthy, whereas the rest 125,000 acres are
dying. The remaining mangroves are in moderate condition.
The economic implications of the Delta's deterioration are

already making their effect felt. Mangrove ecosystems are
considered important for many of the commercially caught fish
species along the Pakistan coast. The total fish production of the
Sindh coast is estimated at 350,000 tonnes. In 1988, landings
from the creeks were estimated at about 96,410 tonnes. The
catch of the migralory fish, such as Palla and Barramundi, has
registered a significant decline. Catches of Palla were reduced
from about 10,000 tonnes per annum during the 1970s to 400-
600 tonnes per annum in the late 1990s. Now this species is
becoming rare in the market. Similarly, the catch of Barramundi
has declined from 1,000-3,000 tonnes per year in the 1980s to
about 200 tonnes per annum in the 1990s.
The degradation of the coastal regions of Sindh in the form of
reduction in the fresh Indus water has not only affected fisheries
resources and their habitats but also the agriculture sector in the
region as a whole. Before the construction of such dams and
barrages the Delta due to the enormous quantity of freshwater
and of the silt the river brought with it, the Delta lands were
known to be the richest in the area. Agriculture yields were high.
Rice was the main crop and most of it was exported to the
coastal regions of India and the Gulf. Besides, wealthy growers,
there lived millions of cattle grazers including traditional camel
grazers.
However, with the reduction in the freshwater flow major
ecological changes took place, as a result of the sea moving into
the Delta channels. With the disappearance of fresh river water,
agriculture in the coastal belt became no longer possible. These
changes forced the agricultural aS well as cattle grazer
communities to shift their Iivelihoods to fisheries. Presently, all
the communities who were previously engaged in the agriculture
and livestock grazing in the coastal regions have shifted their
Iivelihoods towards fisheries resulting in a greater pressure on
this single sector of livelihood in the coastal regions of Sindh.
Presently millions belonging to coastal communities of Sindh
living in coastal regions of Karachi, Thatta, and Badin districts
78 Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Banage: Need or Wastage?
of Sindh are actually living in a miserable condition with a host

of problems including the growing poveny, reduction in incomes
from the traditional livelihoods of fisheries. lack of basic
facilities of education as well as health.
One of the major problems being faced by the coastal
communities is the severe shortage of drinking water.
Consequently, fisherfolk community members especially women
face a lot of hardships. A lot of time, the resources and energies
of the local fisherfolk communities including fisherfolk women
are wasted in the search of water. Majority of the coastal
communities usually purchase water cans at heavy prices which
further eats into their earnings and makes them economically
lulnerable. The water purchased and consumed is excessively
unhygienic which results in outbreak of many diseases especially
diarrhea as well as diseases of skin among the women and
children. The fisherfolk communities living inside the creeks in
small fishing villages have to waste a lot of energy, time as well
as the cost of ensuring just a can of drinking water for
themselves.
Case Study of Keti Bunder To\rn
The coastal fishing town of Keti Bandar is the headquarter of

Taluka Keti Bandar of the coastal district Thatta. It is situated on
the Ochito mouth of the lndus, which enters the sea through the
Hajamro creek, 10 km from the settlement. Most of the people of
the Keti Bandar town as well as the villages around it are
engaged in fishing and occasionally fish net weaving and
repairing.
It was once a flourishing town and a big centre for export and
import for Sindh in the past. Throughout the British period, it
remained a major coastal town but the sea has gradually eroded
it. As a result, the town had to be shifted from one place to
another at least three times. Despite the increase in the urban
population in Sindh, Keti Bandar is a unique case because its
population, which was counted as more than 2000 in 1878, but
now has been reduced to only 1,400. The British govemment
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? jg
established a Municipal Commission in the town in February
1854. In October 1878 it was upgraded to Town Municipality.
However, due to the destruction of the town many times over
due to the sea intrusion it was converted into only a Sanitary
Committee. The town population has been decreasing due to
increase in coastal salinities in the area resulting in loss to
agriculture as well as the livestock sector.
At present, Keti Bandar is once again threatened by the
seawater intrusion and subsequent displacement. During high
tide seawater can be seen around the town. To save Keti Bandar
from seawater tides a Protective Bund has been constructed
around town. However, the bund is being eroded by the strong
seawater tides.
Recommendations
o The main cause of the degradation of Indus Detta is the

constant decrease in the flow of freshwater from Indus.
This flow has been decreasing with the construction of
irrigation canals, dams and reservoirs. Before these mega
irrigation schemes were constructed, the Delta lands
were ideal for agriculture production. Agriculture
produce was even exported to remote countries.
However, the decrease in the freshwater from Indus has
completely destroyed the agricultural lands of the Indus
Delta. A govemment survey establishes that, due to the
decreased freshwater flow to the Indus Deltaic region
fronl Indus River, the sea intrusion has inundated more
than 1.2 million acres of farmland in the coastal areas of
Thatta and Badin districts of Sindh province. Seawater
has intruded as far as 30 km and 50 km in the sweet
water channels down stream Kotri Banage rendering
thousands of acres of farmland saline. This has pushed
the local populations towards extreme poverty.
Therefore, it is the need of the hour that no more mega
80 lndus FIow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage?
irrigation projects, particularly big dams, are constructed

on Indus River.
o The coastal population of Indus Delta should be
considered as the real affectees of all the previously
completed irrigation projects including dams and
reservoirs and special programs should be launched for
the economic rehabilitation of the coastal population
providing them compensation for their economic losses
along with ensuring altemative livelihoods. The coastal
population of Indus Delta and their representatives
should be consulted before launching even any future
small projects on the Indus River.
o Since last many years the Indus flow downstream Kotri
Barrage has decreased. This has further degraded
agriculture lands, livestock, and fishery resources on
which millions of people of lndus Delta depend for their
livelihood. Similarly, mangrove forests, which are the
breeding grounds for fisheries, are facing threats of
extinction. Therefore. at least 10 million acre feet of
fresh Indus water should be ensured downstream Kotri
barrage as envisaged in Water Accord of 1991, till
scientific studies are carried out to determine the actual
Indus flow needs downstream Kotri Barrage.
References
. World Commission on Dams, Pakistan: Tadela Dam / Indus Basin Case
Study, 1999
o Ahmad, M.F. afld Hassan, A. Effect of Boola and Katra fishing nets in the
Indus Delta, Pakistan. Rec, Zool. Survey of Pakistan. Vol. XIII: 1-17,
1997
. Aimad, M.F. Fish of Pakistan's Mangrove areas. In: M.F. Thompson and
N.M. Tirmizi (edt.) Marine sciences of the Arabian Sea. Proc. Intem.
Conf. American Institute ofBiological Sciences. Washington, D.C., 1998
. Hassan, AA. Biodiversity ofBird Fauna in Mangrove Areas ofSindh. In
Q.B. Qazmi (edt) Proc. Of UNESCO workshop on coastal Aquaculture,
Marine Collection and Resources Center, University ofKarachi, 1996
Indus Flow Downskeam Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? 8l
. Hassao, A. Preliminary study on Socio-economics systems in Mangrove
areas ofSindh. Biosphere. Vol. l(l I l): l0-l l, 1998
. Meynell, P. & Qureshi, M.T. Water resources management in the Indus
River delta, Pakistan. Parks vol.s, No.2, 1995
. Ahmed, S-1. The marked reduction of the Indus River flow downstream of
the Kotri Barrage: Can the mangrcve ecosystems of Pakistan survive in
the rcsulting hypersaline environments, IUCN Karachi, 1991
. Hassan Arii Rehri - Coastal Village Development, Coastal Ecosystem
Project, IUCN Karachi, 1994
. Development Statistics. Bureau of Statistics, Planning and Development,
Govemment of Sindh, Karachi, 2000
. Karim, M.S. Socio-economic, Demographic and Health Situation in Thatta
District. Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan
University, Karachi, 198?
. IUCN, Possible Effects of the Indus Water Accord on the Indus Delta
Ecosystem - Korangi Ecosystem Project issues paper No. I , April I 99 I .
(8)
Degradation Downstream Kotri
Barrage & Water Accord
Imtiaz Hussain Kazi
It is important for all of us to hold debates and discussions on

the buming issues facing the country, especially conceming
issues that impinge upon the relations between two or more
provinces. We, like a civilized society, must welcome such
debates in order to convince each other of our points of view.
Sindh's stand on the issue of downstream Kotri Barrage water
is unequivocal, clear and irreversible. We want the lndus Delta
to live. We also firmly believe that this Delta does not belong to
Sindh alone. This is the Delta of Pakistan and all of us jointly
need to rescue it. Sindh should not be left alone in this battle.
Since construction of new barrages, canals and linkage canals
upstream Kotri Barrage - mostly in the province of Punjab - the
Indus Delta is dying a slow death and today its devastation is
alarmingly extensive. The sea has intruded to the extent of 54
kilometers, more than 1.2 million acre of agricultural land has
submerged under the seawater in eight tehsils of Thatta and
Badin districts; riverine forests spread over an area of more than
ond lac acres on both'sides of River Indus has suffered
tremendous losses and the mangrove forests in the deltaic region
has reduced from an area of 1,850 million square meters to about
1,000 square meters during the last decade. Freshwater fisheries
have been completely replaced by marine fisheries in Keti
Bunder, Ghora Bari and Kharo Chann. Local fishermen have had
to migate to the interior of Sindh to eke out their livelihood as
laborers. The catch of Palla fish, which swims against the
gradient for laying its egg in freshwater, has reduced to 65,000
metric tonnes per annum, as against 150,000 metric tons as it

was in 1997. Some 20,000 to 25,000 acres of riverine land,
previously cultivated on freshwater in the riverine tract of Thatta,
has been rendered unproductive with the scarcity of sweet water
in the riverbed.
In order to settle this contentious issue, our only reference
point is the 1991 Accord. Para-7 of the Accord clearly stipulates:
"The need for certain minimum escapage to sea. Below Kotri
to check sea intrusion was recognized. Sindh held the view, that
the optimum level was 10 MAF, which was discussed at length,
while other studies indicated lower/higher figures. It was,
therefore, decided that further studies would be undertaken to
establish the minimal escapage needs downstream Kotri".
Subsequently, it was decided in the CCI meeting on 16.9.1991
that:
"The Council of Common Interests directed that the study
proposed to be carried out by International panel of experts
establish minimal escapage needs downstream of Kotri. The
study should be completed within one year of the signing of the
agreement with the consultants".
As a follow up of Para 7 of the Accord, the Governmentof
Pakistan requested UNDP for financing the studies. An
agreement to this effect was reached and the World Bank was
appointed as the executing agency. The Bank prepared the TORs
for the studies, which were broad based in view of the contents
of Para 7 of the Accord. The proposed TORs covered sea
intrusion, ecological and environmental concerns etc. The
Govemment of Punjab objected to these TORs with the result
that the opp6rtunity of carrying out the studies "could not be
availed. Again on August 28, 1995, the ECC considered the
summary, raised by the Ministry of Water and Power, regarding
this issue and it was decided that the Ministry of Water and
Power in consultation with the provinces should undertake
studies to establish minimal freshwater escapage needs
downstream Kotri.
Because of all this, 12 years have passed since the signing of

the Accord but, to the disappointment of Sindh, no studies have
been carried out. Punjab's point of view has been that the study
should be only about sea intrusion, whereas Sindh's point of
view is that the studies should also include ecological changes
and environmental degradation brought about by not allowing
flow of water down water to Delta. Lots of debates, discussions
and meetings have been held on this issue. Subsequently, it was
decided in the meeting held on October 21, 2002, that in order to
accommodate the viewpoint of Sindh and Punjab, two studies
may be carried out i.e. one for the sea intrusion and the other for
the environmental concems. Later on, in subsequent meetings,
inspite of the decision taken in the matter (in which the punjab,s
representative also participated), now Punjab insists that only
one study regarding sea intrusion should be carried out. As
regards the other, it should be connected with similar studies for
other provinces also wherever the issue of environmental
degradation is involved. This means a comprehensive study on
environmental degradation of the different areas of all the
provinces. This also means delaying the process for may be
another 12 years.
Sindh's response to this argument has been quite clear and
positive. While we have no objection to such a comprehensive
study for all provinces including Sindh, study on the particular
issue of Kotri Barrage downstream should not be mixed up with
the study for the rest of the country. Funding for this study is
available. We may launch both studies; i.e. for sea intrusion and
for environmental degradation, simultaneously. Unfortunately,
Punjab does not agree with this view inspite of thb decision
already taken. In the latest two meetings of April 8, 2003 and
J.uly 21,2003, the issue was debated all over again. While in the
meeting of April 8, 2003, the Punjab's representative suggested
that both studies should run parallel, in the meeting of July 21,
2003, Punjab took a different position suggesting the tinkage of
the Kotri downstream studies with other studies of all the four
provinces.
It must be kept in mind that for the future development of

irrigation facilities like reservoirs and canals meant for further
distribution of surplus water, Sindh's view point would be that
unless we do not agree upon the quantity of water going
downstream Kotri Barrage, no future inigation schemes should
be taken up.

Q: Too much loses of water occur in Sindh and what the
government is doing to control them?
We have been hearing this for quite some time, especially

whenever there is this issue of water sharing. Frankly, this is the
corrrmon blame, which is put on us that you lose too much water.
The question always is what is being done. A lot is being done'
The Farm Water Management Program, and other programs are
being carried out. Lining of channels is being done. President of
Pakiitan has recently provided sufficient amount to Sindh to line
these channels. So effective steps are being taken to control the
loss of water.
Q: Why not controlled supply in downstream Koffi rather than

flood supply?
We understand that during the monsoon season when the

incursion of sea is maximum, and the most powerful than you
can only meet these incursions with floodwater because you
need force to counter another force..Therefore, this flooding is
important in the first phase during August and also because you
have to flush out that whole area which has remained without
water for some time. But yes, subsequently, after the flooding
season is over, then you do need controlled supplies to flow
there.

Indus Delta: Degradation is a
Natural Process
laved Maiid
The subject "Indus flows downstream Kotri Barrage" is very

narrow. It does not address the alarming issues that the people of
Pakistan face, especially the problem of expanding population.
The population at partition was only 25 million people. Today
our population is 140 million. And we shall be anything between
300 and 350 million people in another 50 to 80 years.
Our food needs, which are presently about 22 million tons of
wheat, will grow to about 50 million tons. What we need to do is
to try to decrease the rate of population growth, promote the
horizontal grcwth in agriculture, manage and conserve water
resources to the optimum level.
Pakistan is basically a water-scare country. In 1947, we had
between 500 to 600 cusecs of water. So the issues are alarming
which affects food security and in fact our very survival. So I
suggest fi?l8lJ7 that it should promote and expand the scope of
the discussion and try to bring up the issue of a holistic solution
to the water, its availability, use and sharing etc.
The othel mattdr pointed out by other speakers, who came
before me, was that water flows are to the maximum in monsoon
months i.e. July, August and September where about 70 to 80
percent of water is available, while the period of October to June
which is the longest period of nine months, the water availability
falls to 20 to 30 percent depending on which kind of year you
have. Therefore, again I will emphasise that we have to develop
methods to conserve this water through. storage so that it is
88 lndus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage?
available for use during water-scarce months. And also because

of population pressures and decreasing water availability, we
have to optimise the use of water. We also have to promote
equitable distribution of the scarce water resource to all citizens
of Pakistan whether they are fishermen of Indus delta or the
people living in the northem areas, in NWFP, Kashmir, Punjab,
Balochistan or Sindh.
Iwould just like to show you a slide, which gives the
comparison between Sindh and Punjab, its land and population.
Punjab has Culturable Command Area (CCA) of 20.78 million
acres. Sindh has CCA of 12.80 million acres. The cropped area
of Punjab is 25 million acres while Sindh's cropped area is 1 1.5
million acres. The accord allocation for Punjab is 55.94 MAF
while Sindh is 48.67 MAF. Historic allocations have been 54-49
MAF for Punjab and 43.04 MAF for Sindh. You see that on
perennial canals in Punjab the water allowance is from 2.5 to
4.25, cusecs per thousands acres of land, while for Sindh, it is
2.7 to 9 cusecs. On the non-perennial, we have 6.0 to 8.50
cusecs; Sindh is 6 to 17.6 cusecs per thousand acres. kt
me talk
about historic uses per acre of CCA (feet). PunjaL would hav:
2.62 feet of water standing on its land while Sindh would have
3.41. After the accord, we have 2.70, while Sindh 3.81 feet of
water per acre. Average historic use per acre-foot has been 2.18
and 3.80 feet.
As for as crop production figures are concemed, Punjab
produces 78 percent wheat, 75to 80 percent of cotton and 50
percent of rice of which 100 percent of exportable rice is
produced here.
'I would like to talk about the Delta now. If you see the mdp
of the Delta the river Indus flowing down, Karachi and Delta
area are clearly shown. The shaded part shows you the tide limit.
There is the area where tide comes and there is the border
between India and Pakistan. There are the creeks. Now what
happens is that over the millennium, before the river was bound
down in these dikes, the river had been flowing on vast areas of
Indus delta. As the picture was shown here by ruCN, the present
Indus Flow DowrNtream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? 89
creeks are the outlets through which the river flowed in the past.
However, with the development of the irrigation system the river
flows have been bound down in these dikes. There are double
dikes on both side, flood bunds to prevent the river from flowing
outside these boundaries are there up to Kotri and also below
Kotri. So up to the Kotri now the river is a prisoner in these
dikes. So you can see in the map the Delta is a very small area.
This is the permissible Delta, which has been left to the Indus
River. All other areas now are just tidal plains. If you read the
Daily Dawn every day you will find news saying five feet tide
etc, and the maximum tide that you have during the full moon is
ten feet. This is happening since the millennium, since the planet
was for.,ned. It's not a new phenomenon.
I had a chance to serve in East Pakistan and I was in Ganges
Brahamputra Delta where the river was so large that we couldn't
see the other bank and when the tide came in, there was a wave
of water r;vering both these mighty rivers. The tide at Dhaka
used to rise at six feet. So it is impossible to imagine that the
Indus even it is flowing in its full capacity could stop the Indian
Ocean from coming in. When the tide comes in, it will go up to
the salt line, which is at ten feet level. Unless ofcourse you have
a structure like a man made barrage which Holland has done or
you have dikes. If you make a dike of about 30 feet high, a very
strong dike, then you can stop seawater from coming in and then
we can claim these areas. There are visible pmjects, which are
functioning very successfully in the countries around the world,
and they could be copied.
I would like to say that tide has to come here. You may
empty Mangla and Tarbela and they jusf ceinnot stop it. But if
you want to stop the tides from coming in construct a dike. Six,
seven years ago what happened when you had a cyclone and that
cyclone generated waves 3040 feet which went into the districts
and dumped a lot of seawater there. So it was a temporary
problem. You have to resolve that by either using sulphuric acid
and gypsum. But you can pour down as much water as you like
in Indus; it can't reach here in these areas unless you break all
these dikes. If you go back to millennium you will find rhat the
river flowed in one area at one time and in other area at other
time. If you look into Moen-jo-Daro, what is Moen-jo-Daro? It
was a flourishing city on the banks of Indus and when Indus
shifted the whole town was destroyed. What was Hakra? Hakra
was civilisation, which was based on Hakra River. When Hakra
River dried, nothing was left there. What are Sutlej and Ravi
today? They are empty bowls of dust. They were completely
destroyed when groundwater aquifers finished, the saline water
intruded into the areas. There are no wetlands, no fish culture.
All fishermen have left the area. The migratory birds, used to
come from Siberia, are no more there. About 400 miles of these
two rivers are totally dead. While we want the study for the
Delta to be carried out as quickly as possible so that issue can be
resolved, we would also encourage that the study of the Ravi and
Sutlej must be carried out as quickly as possible.
Now I will talk about the environment. I am also concerned
about the environment and I appreciate the studies done by
IUCN. But the ruCN on one side has a very global perspective,
when it talks of national conservation strategy, but this
perspective is very localised dealing only with the Delta and it
looks at what happened to the Delta because of no flows. So I
think the study is not really truly representative. So it has to be
much broader. And I will also request them to give attention to
Sutlej and Ravi.
As for as the fish problem is concerned it can be examined. It
could be the result of over-population. Our population from
partition has grown by 600 percent and by the way I have
travelled this whole coastline 'inc'luding the Balochistan and
Sindh coastline. I know the whole area. I have seen the fishing
villages. There has been a population explosion and we have
resorted to over fishing and there are two three types of fishing.
There are fishermen in these small fishing hamlets who just fish
in the mangrove and the creeks but then there are also trawlers
and bigger boats with engines, which go out 50-60 miles into the
sea. You have larger trawlers, which go into the deep sea. You
have reached the optimum level of fishing, or may be you have
crossed these limits. I think there is a need to finance these
fishermen with better boats so that they can go deep into the sea
where a lot of fish is being stolen and there is fishing illegally by
intemational fish trawlers. So there is a need to give the
fisherfolk other economic opportunities, funds to speed up their
fishing activities and the opportunity to go out into the sea.
The other problem is of mangroves. The freshwater
mangroves are about 10,000 acres of land while the saline water
mangroves are on about two and half lac acres ofthe land. So the
sweet water mangroves could be replaced with salt-water
mangroves. But another major problem is that because of over-
population, lack of gas, people go and cut them. So these are
things that ruCN and other agencies could examine.
The other issue is of agriculture. Now we are talking about
two things. If it is matter of Indus flowing here then whereever
there are silt deposits, which raise the level of water above the
tide level, you could have agriculture there. But then this is
going to be limited only to a small area. However, if you want to
break your dikes and let the Indus river go wherever it wants and
create new delta, the government of Sindh and the people of
Sindh have to take such a decision. But Puniab's stand on this
issue is that we shall wait. We wish that the Ministry of Water
and Power implements its study as quickly as possible and the
results of the study are brought to the notice of the govemment
and we wish that it happens as quickly as possible.
We would also like to strongly recommend that the
environmental problems being suffered in the areas of Sutlej and
Ravi shoulil alsb be studied along with all that. We sympathise
with people living in the Delta region and our sympathy was
demonstrated after the cyclone when the Chief Minister of
Punjab contributed to the development, rehabilitation and the
relief in that area. So we are committed not only to fishermen in
these areas, to the coastal people but also to all to the people
living along the Sutlej and Ravi and all people of Pakistan. We
should have equitable share in the water resources of Pakistan.

Q: When Secretary lrrigation Punjab understands that there is
no harm in destroying Indus Deha areas, as there have been
hisaically destructions in many other places, then why
Govemment of Punjab is not agreeing to a study of 'water
requirement downstream Kot ri.
Mr Nazeer Memon, Sindhu Agricubure Forum
I think I have not been properly understood. Whatever I said

was that Indus River has been changing course numerous times
in the history and many civilisations were destroyed as the result
of the change ofthe course. So what is happening in Keti Bandar
is that once the river flowed there Keti Bandar was a flourishing
town with agriculture and everything. Now when the course has
changed, Keti Bandar is in the state that it is.
(10)
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri
&Role ofIRSA
Nasar Ali Rajpat
Today's subject is "Indus flow downstream Kotri: need or
wastage?" I don't know why such a topic has been selEcted. Let
me clarify with due respect that the need has already been
decided by the elders. They have unanimously decided the need.
It has been recognised in the Water Accord of 1991. So there is
no question of any discussion and debate whether the flow
downstream Kotri is a need or not. It is definitely a need and we
have to meet that need.
My second question is whether it is wastage? When it has
been decided that it is a purely a need, therefore it cannot be
termed as wastage. However, the matter left for us is how much
need is there? We have to quantify the need. Whatever steps
have been taken in the past in this regard, I would bring them in
the chronological order so that things can be easily understood.
The need for minimal escapage Downstream Kotri Barrage
was discussed and recognized by the Water Apportionment
Committee constituted under the CCI order in 1991. According
to this decision it was decided and expressed in the form of para
7 of the Water Apportionment Accord 1991, which reads:
"The need for ceriain minimum escapages to sea, below
Kotri, to check sea intrusion wa's recognised. Sindh held the
view, that the optimum level was 10 MAF, which was discussed
at length, while other studies indicated lower/high figures. It
was, therefore decided that further studies . ould be undertaken
to establish the minimal escapages needs downstream Kotri."
Since this apportionment committee was a recommending
body the unanimous Accord along with the detailed report of the
apportionment committee was submitted to CCI through a

surnmary prepared by Ministry of water & Power on 20th March,
1991. The CCI considered the summary in its meeting of march
21, l99l and approved the Agreement / Accord-
The study for minimum requirement d/s Kotri was/is so
important that the CCI again emphasized the need for action as
per para 7 of the Water Apportionment Accord 1991 and decided
in its meeting of September 16, 1991 as under:
"The Council of Common Interests directed that the study
proposed to be carried out by International panel of experts to
establish minimal escapages needs down-stream of Kotri should
be completed within one year of the signing of the agreement
with the Consuhants."
According to this decision the study was to be carried out by
an International Panel of Experts. The Government of Pakistan
therefore under UNDP (Pak /88/016 Umbrella-Il) prepared a PC-
II form for Kotri Barrage minimum releases study. The UNDP
financed project was being executed by the World Bank.
The study would define the monthly minimum releases
required through Kotri Barrage, provide alternatives solutions for
seawater intrusion, recommend alternative agriculture practices
and define the process needed to provide sustainable
development below Kotri. Accordingly the draft TORs were
prepared by the World Bank for consultancy required for
carrying out the study. The Government of Punjab objected to
these TORs and despite prolonged discussions and exchange of
views, the Government of Punjab insisted that the Scope of
Study should remain strictly confined to "checking of seawater
intrusion"' which would confoim preclsely to the provisions of
the 1991 Water Accord. The Ministry of Water and Power in
February 1993, therefore, had to request the World Bank to
suspend all actions on the proposed Study.
The Ministry of Water & Power Government of Pakistan
asked IRSA to settle the question of TORs keeping in view the
observations of the provincial Governments. Accordingly, IRSA
in its meeting held on April 26, 1993 approved TORs by 4:l
majority vote, albeit with Member IRSA Sindh dissenting, and

decided to restrict the study to seawater intrusion only. Member
IRSA Sindh proposed that TORS should be broad based, to cover
all other ecological and environmental aspects including fish
breeding, mangroves, drinking water supply etc.
The TORs approved by IRSA are as under:

"(vi) Provide altemative solutions to minimize the seawater
iver system:
intrusion up the
a) Establish the degree of seawater intrusion tha, has

occurred since the operation of Kotri Barrage began
and its current monthly pattern;
b) Determine the impact on groundwater of seawater
intrusion into the Indus River and consequent effect on
wells used for irrigation and domestic purposes;
c) Determine the location and feasibility of constructing
weirs or barrages below Kotri controlling seawater
intrusions;
d) Develop non-structural abematives for controlling
seawater intrusion and determine the costs of no
control."
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in its meeting
held on July 18, 1994 directed that the Ministry of Water &
Power in consultation with Ministry of Food & Agriculture
would submit a summary. The summary dated august 8,1995
submitted by the Ministry of Water & Power was discussed by
ECC in its meeting held on August 28, 1995.It was decided as
under: -
The status-quo with regard to freshwater releases down

stream Kotri should be maintained; and
The Ministry of Water & Power, in consubation with the
provinces/concerned Ministry and in accordance with
the provisions of the "Water Apportionment Accord"
96 Indus Flow Downstream Kori Bar.age: Need or Wastage?
should undertake funher studies to establish the minimnl

freshwater escapages needs down stream Kotri-"
During the period August 1995 to January 1999 no serious

action seems to have been taken by IRSA. However the matter
was discussed in IRSA meeting held on January 25, 1999 in
which all IRSA Members reiterated the earlier decision of the
Authority. Secretary Ministry of Water & Power was of the view
that IRSA is exclusively responsible to deal with such issues in
accordance with the provision of IRSA Act and desired that
IRSA should submit compliance report on a fortnightly basis. To
carry out the study a PC-II was prepared by M/S NESPAK and
circulated among the Provinces for comments.
ln order to resolve the issue, keeping in view the Provincial
comments on PC-tr, a meeting of IRSA was convened on August
29130,200l in which it was decided as under:
" Study mny be carried out as provided in para 7 of the
Accord 1991. Decision on TOR had been taken by IRSA in its

meeting on Apil 26, 1993 by majority vote (Members IRSA
Sindh & Federal did not agree with TOR approved by IRSA).
However, pioity will remain for irrigation as per clause l4 (c)
of Water Apportionment Accord 1991.
No Water Allocation for escapages downstream Kotri had
been made in the Water Apportionment Accord i,99i,, the
Provinces of NWFP, Balochistan & Punjab will not ollow any
escapages from their allocated shares- (Members IRSA Sindh &
Fede ral cons ide red thi s irrelevant ). "
In response to the decision taken in a meeting held on March
18, 2002 under the Chairmanship of the Principal Secretary td
the Chief Executive, the Govemment of the Sindh conveyed its
non - acceptance to the TORS prepared by IRSA and contended
that the study should be broad based but the Govemment of the
Punjab was of the view tnat the TORS finalized by IRSA had
already been accepted. Another meeting was held on October 21,
2002 under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Water & Power, to
develop consensus on the two TORs prepared by the Chief
lndus Flow Downstrcam Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? 97
Engineering Advisor's office, one covering sea intrusion and the

other ecological/environmental needs. The decision of the
meeting is reproduced below: -
" The following wo sturlies should be carried out under the
National Drainage Programme, by the Federal lrrigation &
Drainage CelL (NDP), Ministry of Water & Power:
i. Study on sea intrusion, fot it the TORs have aLready
been approved by IRSA.
ii. Study on the other issue like environment, fisheries,
mangrove& coastal zone, etc. for which the TORs
already prepared by Sindh, should be reviewed &
.finalized by CENCFFC & Chairman IRSA."
Pursuant to the above-mentioned meeting a follow-up
meeting was held in the O/o CEA/CFFC on October 23, 2002 to
consult Chairman IRSA on the TORs for the two studies on
water escapages below Kotri Banage. Both studies were
discussed comprehensively & thereafter agreed, finalized &
signed between Chief Engineering Advisor & Chairman IRSA. It
was also agreed that in order to effectively implement the above
studies through NDP funds, a Steering Committee would also be
notified. The finalized TORs were referred to the World Bank,
the funding agency, for NDP for its formal concurrence.
As decided in the follow-up meeting of 23'd October,2002
the Ministry of Water & Power notified constitution of a
Steering Committee in order to maintain transparency and good
governance and to oversee the process of evaluation, award of
two studies and to monitor their implementation. The committee
is headed by CEA/CFFC and includes Chairman IRSA, Chief
Water P&D Division, Fedet'al Coordinator NDP, C.E. (DSC) 0/o
CEA/CFFC, Chief Engineer (NDP) WAPDA, four Provincial
Secretaries of Inigation and DS (Water), Ministry of Water &
Power.
The first meeting of the Steering Committee was held on
April 8, 2003. The decision of the meeting is reproduced below:
i. 'AU tlrc four Provinces should submit their

comments/vietes on TORI, as per do<:uments provided to
them vi-de para-9 abore. by April 30,200j positively'
ii. Next meeting of the Steering Committee shall be held in
Ministry of Water & Power in the first week of May
2003 (rentatively on May 06, 2003) under the Chairman
ship of Secretary Water & Power.
iii. Chairman IRSA and four Provincial inigation
secretaies shall ensure that they will auend the above
meeting in Person."
The comments on TORS for the two studies have been

received from the Provinces. Punjab still insists on one study i e'
for sea intrusion only. As per decision No. (i) taken by the
Steering Committee the provinces have sent their comments'
Following are the comments/views of each Province'
Sindh Government Views

Sindh held the view that following terms may also be
included in the TORs already prepared: -
i) Determine current ond future crop area below Kotri

Barrage in the sailaba area.
ii) Identify change in the forest size, density and .health
since Tarbela Dam became operational and
determine likely causes for those changes'
Punjab Govelnment Views

Punjab viewpoint on the issue is that study - I on below Kotri
minimum release to check sea intrusion is the only study in
relation Water Accord and its formulation may strictly
to
conform to what IRSA decided / conveyed to Ministry of Water
& Power after their meeting on Apr1l26,1993. No change in the
TORs since approved by IRSA may please be made. Study - II
on water downstream Kotri Barrage to address
"s"ipug".
environments concerns is on the specific request of Sindh from

their viewpoint and for their use. The approach to organize I
monitor / process this study may be so planned as to create no
misunderstanding at any stage of being at par with or parallel to
study - I under clause 7 of the Water Accord.
NWFP Government Views

NWFP Province is of the view that they reserve the right to
disagree with the recommendations and the outcome of the
studies. Since the water of Indus River System has been
allocated to the provinces under Accord 1991 and no surplus
water is left in the common divisible pool, therefore, the study
shall mainly concentrate on adopting structural and non-
structural measuies to stop seawater intrusion.
Ralochistan Government Views

The Govern:nent of Balochistan recommends that a fresh
feasibility studi' ui.Cer the auspices of Federal Government may
be conduc;ed tlr r'rlh Foreign consultants to ascertain the bare
minimurn escalag.s required below Kotri Barrage and further
that surplus flowi above the minimal escapages downstream
Kotri be sha.ed amcng the provinces as per the Water
Apportionnenr r\cc:rd .- 1991.
We are tryilg,lur bsii to resolve this issue amicably among
the provinces. Secently, J'e Ministry of Water & Power has also
requesteC Jre province: .u discuss and decide this issue, which
has be'rr outstaac :ng for 12long years. So let us sit together, let
us decide Let us have this study. And then we will decide how
nruch water is required downstream Kotri Barrage.
Questiorr - Ansrver Session
Q: IRSA hasfailed in implementing the Accord. Can Mr. Nasar

Rajput ellighten us \)hat are problems and who is not letting
them impler ent ti e Water Accord in letter & spirit?
Mr. Ali Ahmed Rind, SDPI Islamabad
IRSA hasn't failed on this. It has its own rules and

regulations under which it has to work by considering all the
stakeholders.'We are trying our best to implement the accord. If
there are some differences, these differences must be resolved
through consensus. We are trying our best that every stakeholder
should get his due share. But there is not the issue only of
sharing; there are issues of dams, the issue of studies and many
other issues. So we are working under the relevant rules and
regulations.
Q: Why study is not being carried out to establish the quantum

of water to flow downstream Kotri even after 12 years? Is it
intentional or otherwise ?
No doubt too much delay has occurred in conducting the

study. The study has to be conducted and we are following it.
We haven't left it. The delay occurred because the constitution
of IRSA was changed some times back. Another reason is the
different perceptions of different stakeholders. We have to keep
all the stakeholders together. We cannot ignore one or the other.
We have to listen to all. As I said earlier, it was decided that two
studies would be carried out. One will be of Punjab, as they want
to confine the issue to sea intrusion and study the other will be
for balancing ecology. We have not forgotten the study. It will
be conducted soon.
'Q: What is the economic worth of l0 MAF water vis:d-vis

famine, and hunger that Pakistan may face if we do not harness
our Indus storage capacity?
Ms. Rabia Sultan, Punjab Water Council
We should not forget para-7 of the Accord in which the need

of lndus flow downstream Kotri has been clearly recognized.
One issue should not be forgotten for the sake of others. All
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? l0l
stakeholders should sit together. Inshallah the issues will be
resolved.
(11)
Water Availability &
Needs Downstream Kotri
ANG Abbasi
There has been candid exchange of views on one of the most

impor:ant topics of the water sector i.e. the flow downstream
Kotri Barrage. I will not go over all the aspects of this particular
proposition but I would just bring to your notice that we have to
be analytical in dealing with this type of issue. First there is
certainly a need. Now need with what benchmark? If you go
back to 1947, when 80 MAF water was flowing to sea and only
64 I\{AF was being utilised. What were the conditions in the
delta area or in the Riverine area of Sindh at that time? Probably
that will be a different story than what it is now. Then if you say
what it is today, supposing there are no fu(her cornrnitments,
there are no further withdrawals, than what is allocated in the
Water Accord. Will this position, as it is today, remain as it is or
further deteriorate? I will say it will further deteriorate because
all the commitments haye not been fully utilised. So even if you
don't withdraw anything more through either a dam or flood
canal or anything you may think of, there is going to be further
deterioration, you may like it or not. Third thing is the sinration
as it is now.
The situation is that the damage has been done which our
experts of IUCN have quantified and Mr. Sikandar Brohi made a
very valuable contribution and then the pictures, which were
shown of the seawater intrusion. I think no body can or ihould
under-rate the enormity of the problem. We should all accept
that the damage has been done and a colossal damage has been
104 lndus Flow Downstream Kotri Banage: Need or wastage?
done. What we can do and should do to stop the rot somewhere

and what is the somewhere that is the point today. From today on
what you are going to do? Now what can be given?
Now 10 MAF is the indicated figure and the study may
suggest some other figure. I think there is no reason why study
should not be carried out. It went to ECC and the ECC could not
decide the TermsOf Reference. I have no imputed motives
against any body but the things look very apparent that
somebody does not want study to be carried out for reasons
whatever. But study or no study, you can send water downstream
Kotri only from whatever water is available. Now l0 MAF is
indicated in the Accord. I don't know why no body has talked
about the 10 Year Perspective Plan, which is umbrella document
for all the development programs in Pakistan approved by the
National Economic Council which is the apex organisation
headed by the President of Pakistan. Now the Prime Minister
heads it. This document gives one or two paragraphs about the
water availability and about the outflow to the sea. The chapter
18, the relevant chapter of this document, says that l0 MAF has
to go downstream Kotri before you consider any future irrigation
scheme, be it a reservoir or a flood canal. This lO-year plan has
been approved by the President - the sitting President and NEC,
which has the participation of all the provinces. All the Chief
Ministers are the members of NEC. Before that the Govemors
were the members of it and all the concerned ministries are
represented on this body. So I would suggest that there should be
no doubt in anybody's mind that at least this 10 MAF, when it is
available, not by closing the canals, must pass downstream Kotri.
Number two, the study should be carried out as soon as
possible, which should be objective, and should be on the lines
decided by the Council of Common lnterests (CC[) on
September 16, 1991, 12 years back. When the study is
completed, those requirements will be subject to balance water

availability as it is today.
Q: It is frustrating that our bureaucrats have failed so

far even
to agree on TOR. As has been proposed by one of the speakers
why not appoint neutral experts to do this job?
UNDP/World Bank had drawn up the TOR for the study in

the year 1992-93 and also provided a grant for conducting the
study. It is however unfortunate that due to adamant and
unreasonable attitude of one province, the TORs are still not
finalized. The Council of Common Interests (CCD has also
decided in its meeting held on l6 Seprember, l99l to complete
the study within one year, but twelve years have passed and still
nothing has been done. The Federal Govemment should put their
foot down and initiate the study on rhe basis of UNDpAVorld
Bank draft TOR without further delay.
Q: Everybody knows the problem of Indus Deha. Who is

responsible for solving these problems?
Engr. M. Asim
The Federal Govemment is responsible for solving these

problems.
Q: What are the causes of reduction Indus Flotes Downstream?

Is there any solution to this problem? What thb govemment has
done in this regard?'
Engr. M. Asim
The cause of reduction of Indus flows downstream Kotri is

the increased withdrawals from the river upstream by
construction of dams, barrages and link canals. At the time of
partition in 1947 , 80 MAF of water used to flow downstream
Kotri whereas only 60 MAF was utilized in the canals. At
present the water use/commitments in our canal systems has

increased to I 17 MAF under the Water Accord, and water goes
downstream occasronally only in very high flood years. The only
option under these conditions is to ensure certain minimum flow
downstream Koiri.
The Federal Government has laid down in the document "Ten
Year Perspective Plan 2001-11 and Three Year Development
Plan 2001-4" that l0 MAF of water should be earmarked for
outflow to sea before any new schemes are considered Till the
completion of study on flow downstream Kotri by experts, this
poliiy of Federal Government should be rigidly enforced to
prevent further damage to the coastal eco-system.
Q: Is any dam near Thatta feasible to save the Daha,

martgroves,
pallahfish and the local communities survival?
Engr. M. Aslam
There is no site for construction of any dam near Thatta'
Q: Would all provinces be ready to cut their share of water

if
this gathering aSrees to save the country's very useful resource
i.e. ihe "lndus Deha", since flows of l0 MAF to be released
downstream Kotri barrage, is being presently distributed among
the provinces?
Mr. Mohsin Babbar, SPDI, Islamabad
It is important that the allocations/requirements of

the
existing canal systems should be met to sustain the agriculture on
these canal systems. It is however'equally important that after
meeting the allocations of existing canals, 10 MAF water should
allowed tc flow downstream Kotri as mentioned in the Water
Accord and Ten Year Perspective Plan document, before any
new schemes i.e. storage dams or irrigation canals are
considered.
Q: Salinity and waterlogging is caused by excessive flow or

iognation of water on ground for tong. Why do Sindh lands
haie this problem since this province has been facing shortage
of teater in the past?
The province of Sindh has a flat topography and therefore

unsatisfictory natural drainage. In Sindh, the river is flowing on
the ridge, unlike Punjab where the rivers are flowing in vallyes,
thus facilitating natural drainage. Moreover the groundwater in
Sindh is brackish. It has therefore to be pumped out and disposed
off into the sea or outside canal command area. In Punjab the
groundwater is sweet and it is being pumped out and utilized for
inigation. There are 500,000 tubewells in Punjab, which help to
keelp water level down as well as provide additional 40 MAF of
inigation water. Thus waterlogging and salinity in Sindh is due
to natural conditions and not due to excessive flow of water'
water?
Q: Is it not afact that Mangroves thrive on saline
Mr. Asif
may be a fact that some variety of mangroves thrives on

It
saline water. However, the mangroves in the Indus Delta cannot
thrive on saline water, unless it is diluted by flow of fresh river
water.
Q: You talk about conservation ol nature. Why don't you think

about the 1200-mile dry bed of Ravi, Sutluj Jhelum where there
is not even drinking water for animals and human beings?
Under Indus Water Treaty, 1960, Jhelum River has been

assigned to Pakistan and its water has not been reduced. The
rivers Ravi and Sutlej have been assigned to India but they
continue to receive the water from the westem rivers through the
system of link canals constructed under the Indus Water Treaty
and these rivers are never dry. Thus these rivers Ravi, Sutlej and
Jhelum cannot be compared with Indus downstream Kotri.
Q: Pakistan has been hit by drought for the last 6-7 years. Water
was not available even for crops and it was a source of discord
between Sindh and Punjab. In these circumstances how even a
minimum escapage of 10 MAF could have been ensured
downstream Kotri Barrage ?
Engr. M. Salim
It was not possible to provide 10 MAF of water downstream

Kotri in the drought years when the water in the rivers was not
sufficient even for meeting the allocations/requirements of the
existing canal systems. However, it has to be ensured that at least
10 MAF water is provided downstream Kotri after meeting the
allocation of existing canals, before any new scheme is allowed
to be constructed.
Q: Historical water availability is Kharif = 857o Requirements -

607o Rabi = l5%a Requirements - 40Vo. How can we meet our
requirements without storages? Is it not the requirement of
Sindh to have storages because of the saline groundwater while
Punjab can meet some requirements through groundwater?
Astorage reservoir is a water bank where water is stored

when it is surplus for subsequent use in shortage periods. In
Pakistan, three storages i.e. Tarbela, Mangla and Chashma have
already been built with a total capacity of about 15 MAF, thus
increasing the Rabi supplies from 22 MAF to 37 MAF i.e. an
increase of nearly 707o. ln low flow year there is no enough
whter in Kharif even to fill these three storages.
At present surplus water is available only in very high flood
years, which occur once in five years on an average. In such high
flood years the quantity of surplus water is sometimes over 40
MAF which can not be stored in storage dam of conventional
type like Mangla and Tarbela where surplus water is being stored
in Kharif season for use in the Rabi season of the same year.
These occasional high flows can only be stored in carry over
Indus Flow Downstream Kot.i Barrage: Need ot wastage? 109
dam of high capacity (20 to 25 MAF) where this very large

quantity of surplus water can be stored for being used gradually
during low flow years. It may further be stated that in Kharif
season, major exportable crops Cotton, Rice and Sugarcane are
grown whereas in Rabi season the only major crop is wheat, in
which Pakistan is surplus. It is therefore important to ensure that
water allocations/requirements of Kharif crops should be fully
met before any water is stored for being carried over to the Rabi
season,
Q: There is a general perception that certain minimum i)ater

flow should be ensured downstream Kotri to protect the
environment and ecology- My question is as to how this should
be ensured. Either:
i. By allowing the status quo on water resources deveLopment to

persist, rehen during the mtjor part of the year there is very
little or no flow, and it is only during the three summer months
that there is substantial Jlow in Indus D/S Kotri OR
ii. By consertation and regulation of highly variable river flows,
both annually and seasonaLly. In o situation where about 819c
of the river flow occur during the three months of summer and
the rentqining 169o occurring during a month, tlrc reqlislic
and prudent approach shouA be b store iver llov,s to the
extent feasible and to regulate the stored water to ensure
round the year minimum needed Jlow D/S Koti; and meet tlrc
irrigation and other water needs of the counlry. Would you
please kindly elaborate?
Muhammad Munir Ch., Consulting Engineer
(i) The flows of the western rivers allocated to Pakistan are

highly erratic. The maximum flow of 187 MAF was recorded in
the year 1959-60 and the minimum flow of 97 MAF was
recorded in 1974-75. Pakistan has signed Indus Water Treaty
with India in the year 1960 but we have no such Treaty with
Afghanistan, for sharing the water of river Kabul that contributes
a substantial quantity of water to Indus river system. In the
present conditions, Afghanistan may construct irrigation
110 lndus Flow Downstream Kotti Barrage: Need or Wastage?
schemes and develop water uses on Kabul River, which will

further reduce the water availability in the Indus River System.
Presently there is no enough water available in the rivers even
to fill
existing dams every year. However surplus water is
available in high flood years. It is therefore not correct that
substantial quantity of surplus water goes into the sea during
three summer months every year. Under the circumstances the
only possibility is to utilize the surplus water when it is available
in occasional very high flood years, which can be done by
constructing carry over dam of high capacity (20-25 MAF). It is
however important to ensure that the allocations of existing canal
systems are met and at least 10 MAF of water is released
downstream Kotri before any water can be provided to any new
storage scheme.
There need not be status quo on further development, but
further development schemes should be based on availability of
surplus water if and when available after meeting present
commitments.
(ii) In the highly enatic conditions of water availability as
mentioned above, it is not possible to store the surplus water
which is available only in occasional high flood years and then
release the same gradually downstream Kotri. It is therefore
important that at least l0 MAF of water should be allowed to
flow downstream Kotri, before considering the availability of
water for any new reservoirs or irrigation schemes.
Q: Is the destruction of Deha resuLt of inter-provincial

iestruction ofwater or are its roots in the Indus Basin Treaty?
Brig. Iqbal, GM (Project Soulh) WAPDA
The destruction of Delta is due to excessive withdrawals from

the rivers by construction of dams, barrages and link canals' Of
course Indus Basin Treaty, 1960 is responsible for this condition
because three eastem rivers were given to India and the major
mega irrigation projects were also built under this Treaty'
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? tI I
Q: Three dffirent studies were conducted on the subiect one

each by Govemment of Pakistan, Government of Sindh &
Government of Punjab. What are the divergent issues on the
three studies conducted through consuhonts?
Mr. Suhan Barq
No study on downstream Kotri has yet been conducted

because even the TORs have not yet been finalized inspite of
explicit provision in the Water Accord and the decision of
Council of Common Interests (CCI) on l6t September 1991.
However a study conducted by International Union of
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (an independent intemational
organization) has estimated the water requirement for
downstream Kotri to be 27 MAF.
Q: The ill effects of Barrages on the Indus flows downstream

Kotri needs avoiding further projects like Sehwan Barrage, and
even decommissioning of Kotri, Sukkur and Guddu Barrages in
Sindh?
It is correct that not only further projects like Sehwan Barrage

but also new canals like Thal Canal as well as new storages
should be considered only after meeting the present
commitments and the minimum requirements of outflow to sea.
However only a fanatic can think of decommissioning Kotri,
Sukkur and Guddu Banages. If Kotri, Sukkur and Guddu
Barrages are mentioned, why not include all the barrages, dams
and link canals in other provinces?
Q: Sindh enjoys the additional beneftts of Tarbela and Mangla

Dams due to has increased availabiliry of canal water during
Rabi. How do you oppose new dams for irrigation needs of the
country to ad.dress the pressing needs offood requirement?
Hamid Malhi, Punjab Water Council
The benefits of Tarbela are not denied, but the benefits have
occurred not only to Sindh but also to all provinces. However,
water is being held back in Mangla even during the periods of
severe shortage in Sindh particularly in the crucial Kharif sowing
period, causing great hardship and damage to agriculture in
Sindh. Thus Mangla has caused great harm to Sindh due to
improper operation and management.
In the present conditions, surplus water is not available every
year and so a dam of conventional type cannot be feasible.
Surplus water is available only in a few very high flood years,
which can be stored in a carry over dam of high capacity (20-25
MAF).
Q: While Sindh suffers from increased waterlogging and salinity

with per acre allocations being already double than those in
Punjab, what is the idea of making a case for increasedflows?
It is not correct that per acre water allocations in Sindh are

double than those in Punjab. Moreover Sindh is not asking for
any increased flows. What Sindh wants is its due share of water
under the Water Accord.
Q: Why the drainage projects like RBOD, LBOD worth billions

of Rupees have been launched in Sindh? It clearly shows the
excusive water available that is ruining the fertile plains of
Sindh.
M* Rabi"a Sultan, Punjab Water Council
The RBOD and LBOD schemes are being construeted

because the drainage effluent in Sindh is saline and cannot be
utilized for irrigation. In Punjab also there is large quantity of
surplus water through seepage in the canals and watercourses
which recharges the groundwater and is utilized through 500,000
tube-wells which provide additional 40 MAF sf water for
lndus Flow Downstream Kotri Barage: Need or Wastage? I 13
irrigation purpose, and at the same time controls waterlogging,

and eliminates the need of surface drainage.
Q: How can you ensure flow downstream Kotri without building

Kala Bagh dam?
Ms. Rabia Suban
Kala Bagh Dam cannot provide any water for downstream

Kotri. On the contrary it will further reduce whatever small
quantity of water is flowing downstream Kotri.
Q: What are the modern (latest) research contributions with

regard to the problem of Indus Delta?
Mr. Khalid Masood
The Intemational Union of Conservation of Nature (ruCN)

has conducted useful studies with regard to problems of Indus
Delta. The World Commission on Dams in their report has also
highlighted the importance of the requirements of water for
sustenance of coastal ecosystems. Moreover, l?I8l5lf Center for
Information & Research has also conducted a valuable study on
Indus Delta. The Center has also prepared a documentary titled
"Death of a Delta".
Q: We should consider the issue of water flow downstream Koti

at national level and not at provincial level? It is stated by more
than one speaker that flow below Kotri has been reduced from
70-80 MAF at partition to less than one MAF in 2000-2N I
which adversely affected mangroves forest'andfish breedihg and
productions. But we Iorget that the irrigated area has increased
from less than 20 million acres to 4l million acres during the
same period, saving lhe country from starvation.
At present on the average j5 MAF water flows below Kotri,
except afew dry years ( 1999-2002). If we allow I0 MAF below
Kotri as demanded by Sindh, we will be lefi with 25 MAF water
for storage. This can bring an additional area of l0 million
acres under'irrigation, which will help food requirements

meet
of teaming population. Dry eyelet will definitely follow wet
eyelet, for which we should plan well in advance. Let us not
waste our water resources.
Dr. Ghulam Haider, Farmer FAO/UN Expert, Partner
Development and Management Consultant (DMC)
The average flow of 35 MAF downstream Kotri includes the

annual unutilised portion of water allocations in the Water
Accord, as well as the contribution of the eastern rivers, which
have been allocated to lndia for their exclusive use. It also
includes the unutilised portion of the entitlement of India on the
western rivers. Moreover, Afghanistan is also likely to utilize
substantial quantities of water of Kabul River for development.
The remaining average surplus water availability after meeting
the existing commitments will therefore be very small.
The flow pattern of western rivers is highly erratic. Surplus
storable quantities of water go to the sea only in occasional very
high flood years. Water can only be stored if and when it is
surplus to the allocations/requirements pf existing canal systems,
and also minimum requirements of outflow to sea are released.
Q: Design Report of C.J. Link clearly spells outflows for every

month of the year. How can you say that it was supposed to
carry floodwater only?
Mr. Ahmad Khan Bhatti
The C.J. Link and T.P Links have been constructed to transfer
surplus water if and when available in the Indus to the tributaries
when there is shortage there. The overriding factor is to provide
the shares of the provinces under the Water Accord 1991. The
provision in the design of Link Canals does not in any case
authorize the flow of the canals to full capacity and at all times,
even in the shortage periods when the allocation of lower
riparian provinces are not met. There can however be no
objection to the flow of link canals to transfer the water after
Indus Flow Dowmtleam Kotri Bar.age: Need or Wastage? 115
meeting the allocated shares of the lower riparian provinces, at

times when there is surplus in Indus and storage in the
tributaries.
Q: Are you aware that TP and CJ links are meant to provide

year round replncement supplies to areas under their command
and form as integral part of the Indus Basin Resenlement Plan?
Yes the TP and CJ Link Canals have been constructed under

the Indus Basin Resettlement Plan to provide supplies to areas
under their command, but in case of shortages, they have to
operate only to the extent ihat they can draw their allocated share
of water after ensuring that the allocated share of water to the
lower riparian provinces is met. These link canals cannot operate
by depriving the lower riparian provinces of their due share of
water.
Q: How in lhe absence of large storage reservoirs do you

envisage year-round regulated supplies for maintaining ecology
of the Indus Deha?
New storages reservoirs will further reduce the availability of

the already insufficient water to the Indus Delta. What is needed
is that before considering any new storage or irrigation scheme,
the minimum of l0 MAF of water should be allowed to flow
downstream Kotri after meeting the allocations of existing
canals, as provided in the Water Accord and Ten Year
Perspective Plan approved by National Economic Council.
Q: With j2?o loss in storage capacity by 2005 a loss of 6 MAF,

Kala Bagh dam would only replace the loss and put storage
capacity at 1976 (post Tarbela) level. What will be the scenario
in the absence of the Kala Bagh Dam in the years to come?
Hamid Malhi, Punjab Water Council
I 16 Indls Flow Downstream Kotri Banage: Need or Wastage?
The loss of storage capacity of present reservoirs in the live

storage portion is about 2.5 MAF up to the year 2001. This is
abott 16?o of the total storage capacity of 15 MAF. The Federal
Govemment has already decided to raise the level of Mangla by
40 feet, which will increase its capacity by above 3 MAF. which
will take care of the silting of all the reservoirs up to year 2010.
Moreover, Kalabagh dam is a controversial project and three
provincial assemblies have passed resolution against it.
(12)
Recognition of Indus Flow
Downstream Kotri in Water
Accord 1991
I;t. General (Retd.) Zulftkar Ali Khan
I am honoured to be a part of this seminar and feel privileged

to address this distinguished group of experts. I am grateful to all
of them for making tremendous contributions and I hope that the
significance of this seminar will be of very high calibre, and it
would produce an excellent document on the subject matter.
A global review of water sector reveals that day-by-day water
- the most important element to sustain human life- is becoming
scarce. Greater emphasis is now being placed at all water-related
international forums, for proper management and efficient use of
available water resources. We all know that Pakistan's surface
water resources are exhaustible, despite the fact that God has
bestowed Pakistan with a large amount of surface water, which
is provided by the Indus and its tributaries. With an average
annual water supply of about 155 MAF, of which an average of
105 MAF is diverted for irrigation, an annual. average of about
36.5 MAF is still flowing to sea below Kotri. This is the only
quantity of surface water now left for further uses.
Pakistan's agriculture depends heavily on irrigation. The
major future challenge is attaining of food self-sufficiency on
environmentally sustainable basis. Without requisite water
supply, food and fibre deficits would be irrecoverable. To avert
the fast approaching food crisis, we must hamess the God
endowed resources of water by the construction of additional
storages. WAPDA's ambitious "Vision 2025" progralnme,

which envisages optimum utilisation of the country's rich water
and power resources, spread over 25 years' approved by the
federal cabinet during 2000 has included engineering studies for
the development of many surface storages at a huge cost of Rs
3,190 millions, which is to be met by WAPDA itself from its
own resources. Under this programme studies will be
undertaken.
Under the new strategy, the engineering study for Bhasha
Dam on Indus River, which is a national project located in the
Northern Areas has been taken up on a priority basis. However,
it would require at least ten years to complete. Rising of Mangla
Dam has been given priority over Basha Dam as it is a
comparatively low cost project and considerable technical work
had already been done.
construction of additional dams and reservoirs would reduce
flood peaks in the Riverine areas. In any water development
,""nurio in the upper reaches, necessary provision for
requirement of water would have to be taken care of for these
areas. The lndus River covers about 174 miles along the
meandering path from Kotri to sea. Flood protection bunds on
both sides almost all along the length up to Active Delta,
channalise and restrain the river from changing its course and
spilling the water during floods over the adjoining Kotri Barrage
canal command area. The riverine area below Kotri Barrage,
which covers about 630,786 acres for its water need, entirely
Table:1
watti Alailibility At RI Stalo
VERAGE
92191
Indus At Kttabagh
oJhellm A,Mangla 24171
ochenab At Mttda 27.9

,NWFPII)iveFS10nS above

Rim Stations
e astcrn RIlcr Run off

within Pakist7an

To l
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? I 19
relies on annual flooding by Indus. This area receives freshwater
and silt of the lndus for a short period of time in most years.
Indus flows below Kotri are required to meet the demands of:
o Prevention from seawater intrusion
o Sailaba irrigated agriculture
o Riverine forests
o Drinking water supply
o Fish culture and
o Mangloves
This necessity of water flowing downstream of Kotri is also
recognised by the Water Accord. However, scientific studies are
required to ascertain the exact quantity. Nobody is disputing the
necessity of water flowing below Kotri. It is therefore essential
that studies to determine the water requirements of the area
downstream of Kotri and the means to meet these requirements
be initiated immediately.
The only way to provide a stable water supply for crops and
forests of the riverine area below Kotri is to arrange water
through the existing canals running outside along the two bunds
or to have additional works. A well planned irrigated and
coordinated forestry development prograrnme is also needed for
the Sindh Riverine area. Forests must be provided with
dependable irrigation water for the economic development of the
Riverine area. Provision for additional irrigation water for the
Riverine area must be incorporated in the future upstream
reservoirs.
Table1 2
ProvinceWise Cad Withdrawals
_ (P t Tarbela) _ _
PROVINCE AVERAGE MAF
NWFP 6.29
PUNJAB 53.21
SINDH 43.69
BALOCHISTAN 1.87
TOTAI olAF): 105.05
The 21" century has brought its own challenges and new
dimensions particularly in terms of increased demands of water,
social and environmental issues. This necessitates that all
prograrnmes related to water resources sector must be critically
examined which would help us to shape our future optimum
INDUS BELOW KOTRI

(POST TARBELA)
EE: : ::33:
YEAR
developments and utilisation of water resources.

ln the end, I would like to mention that last year we had the
privilege of attending a seminar in Bhurban. Mr. Abbasi was the
active participant. I think we made a lot of headway in that
conference to bridge the gaps between various stakeholders. So
much.so that I think we were on the verge of having a joint draft.
I may like to think of commencing our work where we left it last
year at Bhurbhan. That would be a very big beginning because
the kind of goodwill that we found there that accommodation on
the particular aspect was unprecedented and most of differences
I think were bridged. So we could contemplate and may be
SZASISI could take a lead in organising as informal gathering, in
which people could debate, narrow down their differences and
we will come up with some consensus that all we have been
lndus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? l2l
I would like to express my deep gatitude to
seeking. In the end
the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and
Shaheed
Technology Karachi, who provided me this opportunity to
address this distinguished gathering of experts in water resources
planning and management. I would once again like to express
my sincere thanks to all the participants for gracing this
occasion.
(13)
Rehabilitation of Natural Resources
Downstream Kotri
D i S S j
Sbr
lly 1 Thttsww
hl1 1

. Bcttcsthcimportant issue ofwatcriOWdownstream
lTtt : 1 :t i
consensus on Such issues For that purpOSC, WC ShOuld

havc a morc intCractive dialoguc on thC SubJect
involving cxpcrts from all thc four pro nces and t0 1
much smlLr ttup SO wc Ca COlnc O SOmc
national conSensus
H Lttt : llttTRF :
e
1: ll ll : :
:li:l:molttTl
:lttTl c
MAF Indus flow downstream Kotri Barrage is needed to protect

the Indus Delta ecology and livelihood resources. Therefore,
while conducting any study the conclusions of the studies of this
credible intemational organization must be taken into
consideration. Similarly, seawater intrusion is the only one of
many aspects, which need to be studied. The other important
aspects include riverine forests downstream Kotri Barrage,
Riverine agriculture, eco-system of Indus Delta, including its
mangrove forests, wildlife, fauna and flora, fisheries, wetlands
etc. The study must take into account all these and other aspects
of biodiversity and the ecosystem of the region, while adopting a
holistic approach towards all such issues.
As for as the point of view of our worthy chief guest about
the construction of more dams is concerned, almost all the
experts, who presented their papers here this aftemoon'gave a
clear message, that the previously commissioned dams and other
mega irrigation infrastructure have had environmental and
livelihood degradation problems especially in the lower riparian
to the extent that these negative impacts have outweighed
whatever positive impacts these infrastructures have had.
Therefore, in place of even thinking about the construction of
more dams, it is the responsibility of the policy makers that they
should try to minimise the effects of the previously built dams
and launch programs for the rehabilitation of the environment as
well as livelihood resources of the affected communities.
Moreover, although our worthy chief guest presented a figure
of average annual flows of 36.5 MAF downstream Kotri
Banage, which according to him is "lost to sea". However, what
people need to know is how many years and decadei; have been
taken into account to arrive at such an average. Because, what
every Pakistani has seen is that since last many years, the area
downstream Kotri Barrage has not seen even the quantum of
Indus Flows ensured in the Water Accord, what to talk of saving
water through storage. During the recent two years, less than one
MAF water flowed downstream Kotri Barrage in place of 10
MAF envisaged in Water Accord. Such statistics make it clear
lndus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? 125
that there is no water available to even prevent Indus Delta from

degradation, therefore, there is no any need of building any dam
or reservoir.
Ladies and Gentlemen: The lesson of the day is that the Delta
being the core freshwater related issue there are many issues
related to water and water systems of Pakistan. And we need to
look into them through a holistic way through interactive
discussions. So I believe that as an institution, this is our pledge
that we would take up this particular national assignment ahead
for the sake of the future of this great country and the future of
our people.
I thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen, for your
patience, your cooperation and for your very interesting
analytical questions. Those of you who could not have thelr
questions answered, I promise you that in the report you will find
your questions and their answers. Wlatever written material we
have collected and whatever speeches have been made as well as
the question answer sessions would be published. All these
recordings will be put together in the form of a book and that
will become the guideline for our future.
So thank you again. I thank Shirkatgah especially for their
assistance. I thank my friend Mr. Khalid Hussain of
Development Vision, who travelled a long way from Multan to
join us. And I thank South Asia Partnership that has been very
kind to help us in organizing this seminar. So thank you very
much, ladies and gentlemen. God bless you.

Q: All the speakers of the seminar were from Sindh except Mr.
Javed Majeed (Sec. Irrigation Punjab). The .e were no speakers
either from NWFP or Balochistan. Is this proper a way of doing
research and what is its justification?
Mr. Ibad Khan
Q: If survival of the Deln is a national issue of pakistan, then

why 907o of the speakers have been selected to represent only
],26 Indus Flow Downstream Kotd Batrage: Need or wastage?
the viewpoint of one particular province. They all speak of

escapage to the seaforgetting the'needs of the other provinces of
the country?
Prof. Dr. M. Rafiq, Dept. of lrrigation & Drainage, University of
Agricuhure Faisalabad
Q: Why are NWFP and Balochistan along with Punjab, not

being mentioned as partners to any contention and why these
provinces have not been involved in this one sided dialogue?
Pakistan is our country. We all are Pakistanis. Therefore, we

atl including our friends here from the bigger province, should
avoid a regional or provincial consideration. Despite being part
of Sindh province, lndus Delta is the natural resource of the
whole country. The figures about the shrimp and fish catch,
which eam billions of dollars of foreign exchange, are for the
whole Pakistan. We cannot be true Pakistanis by considering
only ourselves as true Pakistanis. We have to consider all parts
of Pakistan and the communities living in all parts and provinces
of Pakistan as equal and patriotic Pakistani as we consider
ourselves.
Basically this seminar was not aimed at having a debate on
any controversial issue between the provinces that we should
have ensured equal representation from all the provinces'
According to our consideration the degradation of the livelihood
and natural resources of Indus Delta, is a buming problem of
Pakistan as a whole. Not only the communities living and
presently on the crossroads of life hnd death due to extreme
poverty and impoverishment, are as Pakistani as we all are, but
iheir region Indus Delta is the main source of foreign exchange
for the iountry. Besides, Indus Delta, being one of the beautiful
natural ecosystems, is the identity of Pakistan world over'
Therefore, without going into any provincial considerations, we
selected the presenters on the basis of merit. We selected those
researchers *tto hud really worked and researched on Indus
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? l2'1
Delta. Those researchers have the identity of their credibility.

They all are associated with known national and intemational
organizations like IUCN. We selected only one speaker from the
affected community only to ensure that there is no difference of
facts and perception between the researchers and the local
communities of Indus Delta.
It is high time that we should stop looking up to our
honourable and credible civil society researchers and experts
with the eyes of our prejudices. The purpose of holding this
seminar in Lahore was to present the story of sorrows of Indus
Deltaic Pakistani communities, with facts and figures, before the
leamed and open-minded brothers of the bigger province of
Pakistan i.e. Punjab. We never thought that some friends would
Iook at such a sincere and innocent effort with a nanow and
parochial perception.
Moreover, we also provided an opportunity of speech to
Provincial Secretary Irrigation Punjab to give his point of view
with regard to the de$adation of Indus Delta and express his
sympathies with the impoverished communities of the Delta like
an elder brother. Besides, WAPDA and IRSA chiefs are there,
who are not from Sindh. Mr. Irfan Mufti's organization is in
Lahore. Sayed Shahid Hussain is Islamabad based. So this was
not a single-minded approach. If that had been the case we
would not have allowed any questions to be asked after
presentations. We came here in order that whatever the people
are feeling should be told to the policy makers and the civil
society here in Punjab so that that they should realise as to what
are the real issues. And we came with an open mind and we
accept your viewpoints. We thought that pbople would
appreciate that we have taken a little step forward to come here
and to talk to you, to tell you what are the sorrows of Pakistanis
of Indus Delta. And we are not putting here any fatwa on any
body that he is anti-Pakistani etc. We are against this doctrine,
which is unfortunately in practice in Pakistan. I want to make it
clear here that please try to avoid this. We are all pakistanis; we
are as patriotic and as loyal to Pakistan as any other pakistani.
128 Indus FIow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage?
Besides, we all are the equal shareholders of Pakistan. We all

have equal share in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan. In all the
resources of Pakistan, all the provinces including Sindh have
equal share. As true Pakistanis we become very much upset if a
responsible person from civil society or from government of
Pakistan says something against people of any particular
province including Sindh. I want to register my protest at this
particular forum and appeal that such as attitude against the
provinces of Pakistan be stopped.
Q: Is there any mnjor research proiect on " Improving water

quality and supply in the area / Deha Region? What are the
Resubs" ?
Dr. Irshad Ahmad
I think it is a very important question because water quality in

Indus River as a whole is deteriorating. It is not only the question
of water availability, but water quality. All the effluents, which
come from the industrial units and from agriculture, are flowing
into Indus and are polluting it. It is important to realize all this.
Some excellent studies have been conducted on this subject by
IUCN and other reputable organizations.
Q: There is nlk about various slakeholders in the seminar.

However, the very important stakeholders, i.e. political parties,
are missing from your seminar? Don't you consider political
parties as part of civil sociery?
Mr. Mohsin Babbar SDPI, Islamabad
We thought that this is an educational institution and its

research wing should comprise the researchers, scientists, and
government policymakers. The politicians are already talking on
different issues at different places as well as in the parliament.
So they are already contributing.
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? l2g
Q: You have mentioned that Thatta and Badin are the poorest
lsyricx. On the contrary the Human Development Riport of
Pakistan by Dr. Akmal Hussain has reponed Dera Bugti as the
poorest Disttrict. of Pakistan. Which version should we believe?
Dr. Mohammad Nawaz Bhuua, D.G. IWASRI
There are many reports. Dr. Akmal Hussain,s report may be

correct. The report, which we have quoted, is the SpirC,s
Annual Development Report-2000.
Indus Flow Downstream Kotd Barrage: Need orWastage? 131
INDEX
Banages, 9-1 0, 18, 20-23, 27, 39,

A
63,'.77, 83, 95, 105, I 10-1 I 1;
command area, 13
Abandoned settlements, 49
Bananas, l0
Acute respiratory tact infection, 15
Badin, 2, l3-15, l'1-19,21, 5l, 67 ,
Active Delta, 41,43,5 1,76,1 l8 '76,',l8-79,83, r29
Aden,8,12
Balochistan, 19, 37, 50, 56,75, 88,
Afghanistan, l0g,l l4 90,96, 99 , r25- 126, 59, I t9
Agliculture: 24, 6, 9-10. l3-14,
Balloki-Sulemanki Links, 26
t6. 18. 20, 28-30. 32. 40. 42. 48.
Bays,75
5 t , 67 -68,'7',1 ,'.19-80, 87 , 9r-92,
Barramundi, TT
9+95, t06, tt2, tt7,119, t24,
Be.as,24,25
126, 128; se.tor,'7'l , yields, 77 ,
Benchmark, 17, 103
produce, 79
Beoparis,43
Alluvial land, 6
Bhasha Dam, I l8
Altematives; of the dams, 20;
Biodiversity: 2-5, 17-80, 124; ofthe
livelihoods, 72,80; agriculture
nature, 3
practices, 94
Boats, 5. 8.12. 15,44.49.91
Allocations; of provinces,26; as
Bones,8
per l99l Water Accord, 26,27
Board of Revenue, 13,43
Annual: catch, l2i average, 35,39,
Bondage, 14
117; rainfall, 38; flooding,48, I 19
Brackish,53, 107
Apportionment committee, 93 -94
Browse, 4, 13-14
Arabian Sea, l, 36
Breeding: zone, I l; Cfounds, 12,80
Archaeological: remains, 47:
Breaches, 29
civilization, I
Arid desert, l; climate, 6
Asian flyway, 37
Aurghon, 7 C
Average annual flow, 30,124;
flows, 27 Catch,5, 12, 14, 18, 29, 67 -68,'71 ,
Available freshwater flow, 39 83, 126, 136

Avicennia, 44-45 Camel gazrs,?7
Cattle $azer,'77
Carry over dam, l, 110, 112
Central regions, I
B
Centre of sea kade, 7
Census, 7, 17, 32, 53, 0l
Bastion ofthe Indus civilization, 2
Charcoal, 4, 45, 49, 50
Children, 14-15,78 D
Chenab, 1,24-25,118
Chashma-Jehlum Link, 26 Dams, 9-10, 16, 20, 22, 23, 30, 39-
Charcoal producing species, 45 42, 44, 56, 72, 77,'.79 -80, 100, 105-
Checking of sea water, 94 106, 110-1 1 1, 1 13, 1t8, t24
Chief Executive,96 Dairy products,40
Civil Society Water Commission, 73 Dablas, 4l,42; clan,48
Coast of Karachi, 38 Deserts, 1,
Coastal: zone, l-2, 42, 62, 7 6, 97 ; Denser seawater, 6,
mangroves, 38; belt, 40. 7 5, 77 ; Deltaic: region, 1 , 6-7 , 12-15, 19,
communities, 31, 42, 47, 68, 7 5, 37, 39, 68,79, 83; areas, 1 1, 13-14,
78; management, 73; regions, 50, 35; mangrove forests, I 1, 37;
77-78 waters, 12; lands, 8, 77, 79;
Commercial: fish species, 37; communities 48; women, 68;
activities, 6, 7; aspect ofthe channels,40, 77
mangrove forests,45; fish, 37, 76 Decline in the mangrove cover, I I
Commercially valuable fish, 12 Dehs, 13,51
Commissioner of Slndh, 7 Deprivation, 14
Communications system, 7 Degraded agriculture lands, 14, 80
Conveyance losses, I 6 Development, 8, 10, 14, 17,21,23,
Construction of dams, 9, 20, 23, 28, 30, 32, 42, 52-53, 64-65, 73-7 4,
41,105" 110 81, 86, 89, 91, 94, 104, 106, 109-
Construction of Kalabagh, 56 l l0, 1 14, l l8-120, 125, 129, 55
Constitution, 57 -60, 97, 100 Dependent Livelihoods, 17,35
Council of Common Interests, 26, Deposition of sediments, 37
30,84,94,104-105, 111 Dense mangrove stands, 37
Confi dence-building measures,T2 Decision makers,4l
Continental shelf, 75 Development decisions, 42
Comprehensive study, 85 Debt,48,
Colossal damage, 104 Dhands,4
Construction of dams, 20 Dhoras, 4
Cradle of ancient civilizations, 2 Dhareja Bandar, 7
Crabs, 11 Dhaka, 89
Creeks, 6, 15, 37, 47, 48, 51, 67 - Diarrhea, 15, 78
68, 73, 7s-78, 88-90 Discharge, 6, 9, 27 -28, 36, 38-39,
Cropland,40 64, 67, 24-26; pattern, 39
Creek edges, 4l Distributaries, 6,
Crisis of legitimacy, 69 Distribution of the water,55
Cropped area, 88 Diversions, 22, 25, 118; sites, 24,
Crop production, 88 Diseases,l5,78,
Custom Office, 7 Displacement, T9
Cultivation,4, 10, 30,40, 50 Downstream: Kotri Barrage, l-4, 6,
Culturalable Commanded Areas, 9 - t2, | 4-18, 22-23, 27 -28, 30-33,
36 35, 41, 44, 5 1, 55, 57, 63-65, 70,

Cyclone, 89,91 72, 80-81, 83-86, 92-93, 99-101,
Indus Eow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Ned or Wastage? 133
72,81181,83-86,92 93,99 101, Euphratcs,2

103-111,113 115,117,119,123- ExPOrt,7 8,1012,18,35,37,47,
1241 ccOsyStem,35;reachcs,35 ,77.28,75,88,09;carnings,
Domcstic and industial watcr i
supply,36 Extrcmc povcrty,1415,80,126
Domestic oi!productiOn,67 Extraction,23
Dralnage cFnucnt,68,112 Extcnsivc rlDt systcm,38,
DHnklng vatcr,15,28 29,78,95, Expanding population,87
107-108,119 ExccssiVc now,107
Dykcs,39
F
E
Fcrlility:2,18,51;Ofthe land,18
Easti of Karachi,1,Patstan,89 Fecding grounds,6,37,67
Early fccding ground,6,67, Fedcral C rdinator NDP,97
Earhquakc,7, Fcderal Govemment,44,58-59,99,
Earnings,12,14,18,78, 105 106,116,cabinet,118
Ecosystcms,1 2,17,35,37,41_ Fish markct,68:catch,12,14,18,
42,77,81,113,126 29i cxports,35:
Econonic:valuc,11,importancc, Fishingi trlps,48:ight,73:
11,losses,72,80;implications,77;
rchabilitation,72,80, 11 : Wlil '
Ecology,11,15,43,61.64,68, 67-68,126;
100,109,115,124, FIshches,4,6,10,12,13,16 18,
Ecological nOw,30 29 31,41,62,64,68,73 74,77 78,
Eto10gical changes,40,77,85 80,83,97,124
EconolFuC COordination FIshe :rcsourccs,4,31,80,
Comnuttcc(ECC),95 products,8
Embankmcnts,10,28,39 Fishcn lcn pOpu!atiOn,12
Environmentali now rclcascs,30, Fl!!ed with salinity,15
consequcnces,35,secuHty,38: Fircw00d,4,36
strcss,39;cconOmic analysis,42: ood:plalns,1,2, prOne area,4:
prOrllc,31,47:havoc,61;nceds, prOtcctive cmbankmcnts,lo:
97,conccms,62,64,84,85:
d'
degradation,85 : :h ,
Environnlcnt,8,16,30-31,35,38 pcaks,118
39,42,47,61-62,64 65,72.81, ooding in hdus Rivcr,lo
84-85,90 91,95,97,99,109 117, ow:of watcr,7,10,44,85,107;
120,124 downstrcam of Koth,30,bc10w
Equality,21 KOtH,60,76,113,119
ErosiOn,18,19,4041,76 attopography,lo7
Estttarlne arca,41 Flora and fauna,37,64
Escapages,21,33,57,60,63 64, Foragc,4,76
93 94,96-97,99
134 1ndus noW Downstrcam K6ti Barragc:Nccd or Wastagc?
Food:14 15,31,37,73,84,95, Cum,4,85

diSuffldmc" &
1 : 12,HL 5
Foddcr,13,37,
Forcsts:34,10 14,18,28-30,35,
37,40,4243,45,49 53,64,76, H
80 02,124,119;products',4
Frcsh:inlandlnver flsh,4,Indus Hanicts of rlshcrmen,48
watcr,4,18 19,77,80;watcr HaFmful ncts,68
now,39,41 HaJanlcl,49,76,78
Frcshwatcr:lakcs,13,dischargcs, Habitats,40,77
38-39,supply,44:rclcascs,95; Hakra: 90:River,90
shortagcs,68, Hcadwaters,1
Fruits of devclopmcnt,21 Hcrds Of camcl,13
Fuel wood,4,37,76 Hepa ls,15
Hcat ofthc co ntry,23
Hidcs,8
G Himalayas,1
HistoHcal abodcs,14
Carho,50 Hindu Kush,1
Cazettccr of Karachi,8 Highi mollntaln tcrraln,1:hver
Castro cntcntis,15 discharge,6i tidcs,12,13;
m Delta'
8 lR :: : li
Germnation,45 Highly salinc,10
Genocidc oFthcjuvcnile flsh,68 Histo c usc,88
81: 1
36
Gcological Features,01 Histoical uscs of watcr,59
: 1. . 3%p"su ,
Gi! t,l Hypcr salinc soils,36
Global climate change:37;
wa ng,19 20
Colarchi,13,76 1
Govcmment of PunJab,73,84,
92,94,111:of Sindh,43,51,81, Impact on:Dcltalc Flshen s,11:
91,111, ora,40
Crowth ofthe dclta,10 1ndus River,18,10 12,16 17,22,
Cround water:18 19,36,54,63, 2426,31 32,39,55,57,63 65,67,
90,107-108,112;aqllilers,18 19, 71-73,76,79 81,89,91 92,95,99,
90:salinity,19 1o9_110,118,128,
Grasscs,10,13,40,47.48 1ndus:Rivcr,1 12,14-19,22,24
Growcrs,10,77 26,28,31 33,35 38,4145,47,50
Green pasturcs,13 14 52,5458,61,63 65,6770,72 77,
Grazing grounds,13 79-81,83,87-95,99-101,105-107,
Cradual advance ofthe sea,29
Indus FIow Downstream Kotri Bafiage: Need or Wastage? 135
109 111,113 115,117,118,123 J

128;vallcy,2:Dclta,1 9,11 12,
14,16 18,22,28,31,35,37 45, Jakhi Bandar,7
47.51-52,61.67-69,72-76,79- Jalra,12
81,83,87 89,92,105 107,113, Jaati,1
115,124 127:dclta ecosystem,6, J ,4041,4849
31,81;now downstrcam Kotrl Jhclum,1,2425,107,26,24,118
Barrage,12.15,18,22,33:delta
mangrovcs,11,16,37,74:RIv
Systcm,24 26,55,57,71,99, K
109-110,b in trcaty,25 26,54,
HO;watcr rcsourccs,35;watcrs, Kabul Rive 110,114,
32,56;basin,25-26,54,71,80, Katcha lands,4,18:arca,2,4,10;
110,115i now downstrcam Kotrl, forests,H,18
12,15,18,22,33,105,111:watcr Karakoram,6,67,
trcaty,58 107.109:delta ecology, Kathiawar,8
124 Karachi,1 2,5,7 8,14,16-17,19,
1ndus Rlver System Authorlty Act 31,37 38,4143,45,4849,51.68,
1992,57 72,7476,78,81,88,121;viuagCS,
1nhospitablc mountalns,1 48
1nland rlshcncs,13 Kcti Bandar,7-8,43,78 79,92
1ndigenous:rlshcrl len,14,67; Khan1 27,33,38,59,108 109,112
communities,6 Khobar Creek,76
1ndustrlal:ponutiOn,42-43,64, Khaochan,8,13,40
cFnucnt,68,72 KharlF crops,109
1ndian pcninsula,47 Kot Dti,2
1ndcpcndcnt consultants,61 KotH Barrage,1-4,8 12,14 15,17
1nnucntial landlords,67 18,21 23,25,28,31 33,35,38-39,
1ntcr provincial relations,69 41,56,63 65,72,79-81,83,85-86,
lnstitutional framcwork,70 93-95,97 99,103,106,108,118,
1ntcmational pancl of cxpcrs,84, 123-124,
94 KotH to the, L2,118,
1ncrcascd withdrawals,105 Kutch Perunsula,08
1gation,8,13,16-17,20,22-23,
32-33,36,39,50,54,63,65,72-
73,79 80,86,89,92,95,8,104,
L
106-107,109 111,113,115,119,
124-127;Dcpartmcnt,13,watcr,
Laho Bandar,7
13,16,20,54,107,119:works,33:
Lack of water,11
schcmc,79,86,104,110,115,
Landi resourccs,12;lcveling,16;
lranian bordcr,75
records,40
1RSA,57 58,60 62.69,71 72,
Land bascd scdiment,36
93-94,96 98,100,127
Landscapc,1,47,49
1UCN,5,74,81,89 91,103,111,
113,123,127 128
Livelihood resources, | -2, 4, 6, Meandering: path, 3, I 18; course of

t1-12,15,68,24 River lndus,4
Livestock: 4, 6, 10, 13 -14, 53, 73, Melons, l0
77,79-80; population, l3 Mega: projects, 16; dams, 56;
Link canals, 9, 22, 69, 105, 107, irrigation projects, 72, 80, 1 10;
ll0-lll,114-115 irrigation Infrastructure, 8, 124;
Livelihood resources downstream Meynell, Mr. 30
Kotri Banage,2, 15 Minimum: fl ow requirement, 29 ;
Life cycles of fish, 37 escapage needs, 30; escapage
Local: dairy, 07; population, 04, Downstream Kotri Barrage, 93;
37, 41, 43, 80; communities, l3- requirement, 94, lll,
I 14; flow, 17,
14, 18,37-38, 106,127 29, 31, 64, 106, 94; releases, 94;
Lobsters, 1 1 Minimal escapages, 60, 93 -94, 99
Loss of many mangrove species, Migratory: birds, 37,90; fish, 77
ll Migration,41,49
Low: sea tide, 12; floods, 29; Middlemen,4,68
quality water, l6 Middle East,4
Loans, 14 Mirpur Sakro, 8, 13,76
Lords ofthe sea, 14 Ministry of Water and Power, 57,
Lower: reaches,23,49; Swat, 24; 61,73,84,91,94
Bari Boad,24-25 Mountain landscape, I
Mountainous areas, I
Moenjodaro, 2
M Monsoon: 14, 36, 41, 86; months,
87
Mangroves, 6, 11, 16, 29-31,36, Modemization of the irrigation, 20
37 -39, 4t -45, 6t -62, U, 7 4-7 7, Mouth of river Indus, 43
91,95,97, 106-107, 1 13, l r9; Most deprived district, 67
swamps, l, 41; leaves, l3; islands, Mud flats, 6,51,75
1 3; ecosystem, 16-18, 31, 36, 42- Muscat, 8
43, 64, 7 4, 77, 81 ; habitats, 40; Multipurpose dams, 39
forests, 2, ll-14, 18,37 , 40, 42- Municipal Commission, 79
45,51-53, 64, 80, 83, 124; bushes,
47
Malaria, l5 N
Marine fish catch, l8
Marala Ravi Link, 25 Natural laboratory, l; resources, 5,
Mangla Dam,26, I I l, 118 9, 15, 18,67,123,126; waterways,
Mailsi-Bahawal Lir*., 25 23; flow, 39; regeneration,44;
Marshes,40 capital, 67-69; adversity, 7l ;
Martial Law Administrators, 59 drainage, 107
Mangla, 26, 39, 89, 108, I I 1, I 12, National, 1 1, 15, 19, 3l-32, 35, 37,
'116, l18 42,50, 52-53,55, 58-59, 6L-62,69-
Maximum flow, 109 7 0, 7 2, 84, 90-9 r, 94, 97, 104, rtl,
I 13, 1 15, 117-l 18, 123-127;
Indus FIow Downstream Kotri Barrage: Need or Wastage? 137
cconomy,11,42;dralnagc Pcsticidcs,68
progammc,62,97;intcgnty,72: Pllysiological rcquirement,43
consc ation stratcgy,31,90, Plant pollen,15
ccononuc council,104,115 Policy:makcrs,14,16,124,127:
Ncgative irnpact of thc dallls,20 documents, 14
Nct weaving,78 Population,2,4,7,12-13,17,29,
Northwestwards,1 32,35 37,4041,43,53,61,64 65,
Norhwest F nticr Provincc,1 72 73,79 80,87 88,90-91,114;
Non timbcr'4 growth,871 cxplosion,90,

Nonnal wagc,48 Poverty,14 15,67,68,78,80,126
Nutnent rlch soil,23,38 Poor:watcr convcyance systcms,
20;communitles,15
Prawn,11,
0 Products,4,8,40,50 51,76
P visions ofthe 1991 Watcr
0ccan,2,41,89 Accord,94
0chito Phat,7 Provincial Govemments,57,95;
0ccasional high nOws,108 comments,96
0nslallght of thc sea,13 Producuvc,8,10 11,37,39,84,
0ptimum:utiliSation,H8:lcvel, value,37:coastal ccosystcm,39
30,56,84,87,91,93,55 Proccss ofdcgradation,5
0rchards,4 P cess of desertiflcation,37
0ranga Bandar,7 Productlvity,11,40
0ut ow to sea,106,111,114 Punlab,1,8,17,2122,26 27,33,
0ver cxploitation,36 43,50,54.56 62,71 73,83-85,88,
91 92,94,96,98,100,107 108,
111112,115,119,125 127;
P imgation system,8,22
Paklstan,1,8,10,16-17,20,24
-26,30-33,36 38,42 43,45,47, Q
50-53.55 56,70 71,73 75,77,
80 81,83 84,86-89,92,94,llXl, Qadirabad Ballokl Llnk,26
104,107-109,111,117-118,124-
129
Palla rlsh,5,29,83 R
PJharpur,24-25,
Pastoral communiticS,40 Ravi,24-26,90-92,107
Parliament,57,72-73,128 Rann of Kutch,5,76
Pasturclands,68 Railway track,7
Pclagic flsh,41 Rabi scason,10,108-109
Pcrcnnial:i gation systcm,8: Rasm Qadirabad LInk,26,
canals,88 Ralnwatcr harvcsting,16
Pcak n00ds,29 Rabi,10,108 109
Rcscrvoirs,9,17,28,35,72,79- S
8086.110,115-116.119
Rcsourcc degradation,14 Sand bar dcve10pmcnt,10
RcgiOn,1_2.4,6 8,10,12-16,19 Salinc:2,4,10,12,36.4041,43,
21,37,39,42,47-48,50,52,67 45,52,63,81,90_91,107 108,112,
68,76-9,83,91,124,126,128 scawatcr,4,12: vatcr,2,41,43,45,
Rcscttlcmcnt report,7 90 91,107,
Rcd ricc,8 Salinity: 10_11,13,19,51,54,107,
Rcvcnuc RcpOlt,8 H2;lcvcls,11,and watcrlogging,
Rcduccd nows,lo,23,76 54
Rcduction:in Frcshwatcr,10,14, Sailaba cultivation,30,
in frcsh watcr nows,lo;in frcsh Salti intnlsion,40;cxcrctc,44;
lndus nows,11 in the mangrovc cxcludcr, ,accurnulator, :
arca,29:of thc ows 291in ish conccntration,44;torrcnt plant,44:

catch,68
watcr mangrovcs,91,
Rcccding Of watcr,13 Satcllitc obsc ations,77,
Rccycling,16 Sanita Commlttcc,79,
Rcgcncration, 18,44,51 Sca,1 7,10,12-15,17-19,23-24,
Rcduccdvatcr availability,22 27.29-33,36-41,43,45,48-49,51,
Rcplaccmcnt wOrks,26 53-56,60 65,67-68,73,75-8o,83-
Rcsourcc uscrs,30 86,89,91,93 95,97-100,103-104,
Rccharge of ttsund water,30 106 111,113-114,117-119,124
Rchabilitation of mangrovcs,45 128:intrusion,13-14,19,39-40,
Rivcrs: 1,20,23-25,28,30,55, 63 64,67,76,79,94,99,103,124,
89-90,107-110,114:gOrgcs,1; shorc,48:tidcs,6:watcr,4,6,12-
spillovcr pcHods,4:downstrcam 15,18-19,32,39-40,63-64,67,76,
Koth Baragc,3 4,routc,7:bclow 79,89,94,99,103,124:routc tradc,
Kotrl,10:dischargc,6,27,64: 6,12,14,18,63;porls,6,751 1evel
watcr,6,30,40,49_50,77,107: rlsc,36 38
Nilc,75:bed,84:banks,49,61 Scrub,4
Rivcrlnet agnculturc,3,124; Scientirlc sttldics,15,119
forests,3-4,10 11,18,28-30,35, Scarcity:Of flcshwater,43 4 ioF
50,83,119,124:Bclt,3i area,3 4, swcct wate 84
9 10,28-29,37.49,65,103,118, Scdimcntary rock forlnations,1
H9,forcsts,3 1011,18,28 30, Scdiment: 1-2,6,10,17 9,27 28,
35,50,83,119,124;lands,4,10, 36 39,41-42;load,6,19,27,38
tract,4142,84 Scttlcments,5,49
Ridgc,107,120 Sehwan Barragc,21,32,33,111
Ripanan connict,70, Seni arld,38
Ricc: 7 8,40,47,50,52,68,77 Sewcragc water,43
78,88,109,cultivation,40 Scasonal llshing,48
Root system,38,44 Sccpagc,10,112
Road map,58 59 Shah Bandar,7 8,43
Ships,7,78
Shdmp.6,11 12,18,29,35,37, Supporling strcams,1

67,74,76,126;catch,12, Supply of frcsh watcr,11
prOductiOn,29 Su ival of flsh,68
Sharecroppers 48 Surplus:40,55,59,86,99,108
Shanng of watcr,53,58 110,112,114-115: vatcr.86,99,
Shortagc,15,55,59,68,115:of 108-110,112,114
dHng water,68,78:of frcsh Surfacc watcr rcsources,117
dH ng water,15,perlods,108, Surfacc salinity of soils,10
114 Sustalnability:15,18,of cco
Sindh:1,5,7,10 14,17,2022, system,18
29-33,35,37,4245,47,50 62, Sustalnable dcvclopmcnt,21,94
70-81,83 86,88,90 99,103,107 SutlcJ,1,24,90_92,107,
108,111-113,119,125-128:
forcst,10,17,31,43,45,74:
coast,11,37,52,75,77,90, T
province,40,76,79,126:rlvcrlnc
arca,3,119, Tamarlx,H,40
Si!t,4,6,9,18,27,36,39,49,51, Tannin,4
64,67,76-77,91,119,38; Taunsa Baragc,25
dcpositions,4,6;discharge,9,36 Tarbela Dam,16,26,32,38-39,42,
Sirhind,Sidhnal,24 44,80,98,
Sidhnal Malsi LInk,26 Taunsa PunJab Link,26
Silcnced Rivers,30 Tcn daily a1locations,30
Signiflcant dcclinc,77 Tcxtilcs,47
Skln discascs,15 Tcnnulosa llisha,41
Slip Faults, 1 Ten Ycar Pcrspcctive Plan,106,
Southeastem Paklstan,1 115
SIDcio cconOnuC uplift,7 al canal,25,111
Sokhi Bandar,7 Throwaway piccs,68
Soil:dcposits,23;loss,38 atta 2,7,13 15,17-19,21,39
Southwcst monsoon,36 40,50 51,76,78 79,81,83-84,
Social contract,69 100,129
Spccies:of ish,4,52:of Threc Ycar Dcvclopment Plan,100
man ,H Tlgrls,2
g wth,H
ntcd Tlde:6,10,12 14,18,63,79,88
Storagcs:20,23,33,108,111, 89,91:linit,88
115,118,55,capacity,llXl,115- TImber,4,8,35,44,47,50
116 TImber,wool,8
101,120,128
Stakcholders,100 Tldal:wavcs,19;mudnats,37;
Stccdng Commttcc,62,97-98 infnngcment,761 crosion,76
Sub national,58 TORs,10,57,59-64,69,94 98,
SuJawal,40 105,111
Sukkur Baragc, 8,24,38 Town Mu cipality,79
Sunderbans of Bangladesh,37 Tnbutancs,1,6,24,1!4 115,117
Sundo Bandar,7 Tropical manne rlsh specics,11
140 1ndus ow Downstrcam Ko Brage:Need or Wastagc?
Trlmmu Sidhnal Link,26 70,114,59,55,shanng,69,86;

Transpo oF sedimcnts,39 Accold 1991,26,69,114,59,55:
Traditional occupations,50 shorlagc,68,70,72;illtcnsive
Turkhan,7 crops,70:disthbutlon task,70;
Tube wclls,10,50 dlsthbution forrnulas,71,resourccs,
Tubcrculosis,15 20,32,35,51,53,81,87,92,ll19,
T,iCal fan shaped dclta,6 H4,H7,120 121 scare country,
Typhoid,15 87 scarce months,88:a1lowancc,
54,88 AppOrtionmcnt cOmmdttce,
93 ApporiOnmcnt,93-96,99,
U avallability,22,56,87 88,103 105,
108,110,114,118,128
Umbrclla documcnt,ll14 Watercourscs,16
Unproductvc,11,84 WAPDA,19,21,4344,53-54,60
Unsustalnablc manncr,67 Wastage,1,23-24,31,33,44,93
Uncontrolled ows,23 WCtlands,3,13,53,90,124,
Upper:Sindh,10:reachcs of Rivcr WCStCrn vers,24 25,107,109,
Indus,10; panall,23,72:Ba 114
Doab,24;Jhclum,24_25,Swat,24 Wildlifc specics,76
25,rcaches,10,23,118 VOmcn,15,67 68,78
Upstrcam:5,10,42,6465,83, WOrst victims,15
105,119;watcr usc,42;Ko VOrld COmmssion on Dams,20,
Barragc,83 42,80,113
World Bank,31,62,74,84,94,97,
105
v F,62
Vallctics of shrlmp,6,67
Vcgctation,1,10-11
Vision 20.25,32,118
W
Water: scctor,50,74,103,117;
nows,4,10,18 19,21,25,29,39,
67-68,76,87,113,channcls,15,
79:escapages bclow Koth
Barrage,63,97i tankcrs,15:bome
diseases,15,downstrcam Kotrl
Barrage,15,18:management, 16,
70,86;conveyance system,16,
20,application systems,20,
logglng,36,54;distrlbutlon,69,
Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage:
Need or Wastage?
Edited by: Sikander Brohi
This volume discusses the importance of Indus flow

downstream Kotri Barrage especially its need for riverine
forests, agriculture, wetlands as well as Indus Delta, its
biodiversity and natural resources. According to the
contributors reduction in Indus flow as a result oJ'
commissioning of dams and Barrages upstream has badly
affected the biodiversity and natural livelihood resources
Downstream Kotri Barrage. It has affected riverine forests
fishery, agriculture, livestock, mdngrove ecosyslem etc. and
has also resulted in seawater intrusion and salinity ofground
water aquifers. The contributors have suggested maimum
Indus .flow downstream Kotri to rehabilitote and sustain the
b iodive rs ity and natural I ive li hood re source s.
CONTRIBUTORS
Sikander Brohi Muhammad Idris Rajput
Mohammad Tahir Qureshi ArifHassan
Syed Shahid Hussain Irfan Mufti
Mohammad Ali Shah Imtiaz Kazi
Majid
Javed Nasar Ali Rajput
ANGAbbasi Lt. General Zulfikar Ali Khan
TT{TIEI Rs.200/=

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Innus Frow l)ownsrnnam

Edited by: Sikander Brohi

Center For Information & Research

Snaurso Zur,rmnnAlr Bnurro lNsrrrurp Or

Indus Flow Downstream Kotri Barrage:

copyright o ,zr8n7 2003

First published by SZAOISf:2003

Prlnted by:Peacc Composcrs Karachi

I Livelihood Resources Downstream Kotri Barrage 1

and their Degadation

2 Water Requirement Downstream Kotri Barrage 23

3 A Study on the Impact of Artificial Flood 35

4 Death of the Delta 47

5 Flow Downstream Kotri: Need of a National 55

6 Indus Delta Degradation: Loss of Natural Capital 67

7 Indus Delta Disaster & Coastal Communities 75

8 Degradation Downstream Kotri Barrage & Water 83

9 Indus Delta: Degradation is a Natural Process 87

10 lndus Flow Downstream Kotri & Role of IRSA 93

1l Water Availability & Needs Downstream Kotri 103

12 Recognition of Indus Flow Downstream Kotri in ll7

13 Rehabilitation of Natural Resources Downstream 123

SIKANDER BROHI is Coordinator tarSrJT Center for Information &

MUHAMMAD IDRIS RAJPUT has served the Government of Sindh

MOHAMMED TAHIR QURESHI is Programme Director Sindh

ARIF HASSAN is an architectplanner in private practice in Karachi.

IRFAN MUFTI is Program Manager at South Asia Partnership (SAP)

MUHAMMAD ALI SHAH is Chairman Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum

IMTIAZ HUSSAIN KAZI is Secretary Irrigation and Power

JAVED MAJID is Secretary to, Irrigation & Power Department

NASAR ALI RAJPUT is the Chairman Indus River System Authority

ANG ABBASI is the head of technical committee, formulated by

LT. GEN. (RETD.) ZULFIQAR ALI KHAN is Chairman Water and

DR. M. SULEMAN SHAIKH is Secretary Board of Trustees (BOT)

resources and energies on the education and skill, development

Dr. Javaid R. Laghari, TI

amidst the on-going controversies on the use and misuse of water

Dr. M. Suleman Shaikh

The Indus River

swamps in the lower flood plains and the coastal zone. In

The Indus valley has been the cradle of ancient civilizations.

Livelihood Resources Downstream Kotri Barrage

Kotri Borr 9e to Sec

Riverine Belt Downstream Kotri

The Indus Delta

;xtrernety high wave energies of the order of 1,400 million

Historically the whole region downstream Hyderabad city has

by so much silt deposition. As a result of frequent change in the

Major Cause of Degradation

Barrage was built. As a result the quantity of freshwater was

Source: Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA)

Moreover, other barrages, dams and link canals also badly

This has resulted in a mass-scale degradation of land,

Impact on Katcha Area:

Impact on Indus Delta Mangroves:

Besides decline in the mangrove cover, there has been loss of

Impact on Deltaic Fisheries:

Impact on Fertile Land: