January 23, 2010
Indus River Day marked at Thatta
The Friends of Indus Forum organized rally and seminar
to mark the Indus River day at Thatta. The event was attended by
writers, intellectuals, fishermen community and civil society
organizations. The rally commenced from the Press Club Thatta and
culminated at the Indus River. Speaking on the occasion, author of
journey of Indus Badar Abro said that Sindh is because of Indus River.
He said that Indus water treaty was first major blow to the Indus.
Abro said that Indus has changed its courses numerous times due to
which history of Sindh also changed. He said that water crisis is
becoming serious and situation is getting worst. He said that this
situation may change political situation.
The General Secretary of
Forum Nasir Ali Panhwar said that shortage of Indus has affected the
ecology, economy and social fabric of society. He said that reverine
forests, which used to be identity of Sindh have been vanished, while
sea intrusion has changed the fresh water ecology into saline in Indus
delta. He said that Sindh has already less fresh water aquifers as
compared to other provinces and due to acute shortage of water in
Indus, aquifers have further degraded. He said that wetlands of Sindh
have been turned into brackish water bodies and remarkable decline of
migratory birds has been noticed. He said that overall water quality
has been affected and as a result of loss of biodiversity has been
reported. Eminent writer from USA Aijaz Sindhi said that Indus River
day needs to be converted into movement to save the Indus River. He
said that leadership has to take decision about the future of Indus,
where instead of water only sand has been left
. Wrier Rasool Bux Dars
said that due to poverty in delta people are compelled to sell snakes.
He said that world over movement against large dams is going and even
existing dams are being decommissioned. Adam Gandro said that
fishermen are mourning on the death of delta and Indus and joys can
only be brought back with the revival of Indus and delta. Bakhat Jamal
said that Indus gave the birth to Indus civilization and the entire
civilization is in danger. Zahid Jalbani said that pain of lost river
has been felt by every one. He said that collective efforts are needed
to bring back the lost glory of Indus. Salam Dharejo, Zahid Dharejo,
Hameed Palari, Abdul Razaque and others also spoke on the occasion. On
this occasion Shahnwaz Musafir, Soraj Sijwalai and others presented
the tribute to Indus through poetry and folk singer through their
performance.
For further information:
Muhammad Zafar Khan, Manager Communications and Environmental Education
Contact: 0300-3495901, email: zafar.hilbi@gmail.com
Badarunissa, Communication Officer.
Contact: 0312-3642817, arshi_mtunio@yahoo.com
