Scientists from deltas of the world shared science perspective of deltas in UN Convention for Conserving River Deltas (UNCCRD) science meeting presided by Dr Asim Zia – Prof of Public Policy, Community Development & Applied Economics, University of Vermont, USA.
Indus delta was represented by Dr. Altaf Siyal, a distinguished Professor at Sindh Agriculture University Tando jam, who shed light on the pressing concerns plaguing the Indus Delta, a vital ecological region in South Asia. Dr. Siyal’s presentation elucidated the multifaceted challenges that have led to the degradation of this critical ecosystem.
Dr. Siyal emphasized several key factors that contributed to the Indus Delta’s destruction, underscoring the need for immediate attention and concerted efforts to address these issues, which included:-
Diminishing River Flows: The reduction in river flows to the Indus Delta has severely impacted its delicate balance, affecting both flora and fauna.
Reduced Sediment Supply: Historically, the Indus River has been a major source of sediment that replenished and built up the delta. However, dams and irrigation projects upstream have reduced the flow of sediment into the delta, disrupting the natural processes that counter coastal erosion.
Seawater Intrusion: Rising sea levels and unchecked seawater intrusion have further exacerbated the deterioration of the delta’s ecosystem.
Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels, primarily driven by climate change, are a major factor contributing to coastal erosion in the Indus Delta. As sea levels increase, the shoreline is pushed inland, causing erosion and loss of land.
Shrinking Active Indus Delta: The active delta is shrinking at an alarming rate, leading to habitat loss for numerous species.
Land Subsidence: Geological factors, such as land subsidence, are contributing to the delta’s vulnerability. Land subsidence is mainly caused by overexploiting freshwater aquifers and oil extraction from the delta.
Coastal Erosion: Erosion along the coastal areas of the delta is another critical issue that requires immediate attention. Wave Action and Storm Surges: Strong waves and storm surges associated with cyclones in the Arabian Sea can accelerate erosion by eroding and reshaping the coastline.
These events can be particularly devastating, leading to rapid land loss.
He talked about pollution from industrial waste, water scarcity, soil salinity, environmental and ecological degradation, degradation of freshwater acquirers with resultant economic impacts of the annual loss of about $2 billion due to Indus delta degradation.
Dr. Siyal made a compelling argument that the degradation and shrinking of the Indus Delta have intensified due to the diversion of Indus River flows through the construction of hydraulic structures, calling for a reevaluation of these practices.
