Countries in our neighbourhood, such as China and India, have made significant strides in transforming desert regions into productive agricultural lands. In this context, government’s consideration of constructing canals in Cholistan area seems a logical step toward addressing the challenges of food security and agricultural development. However, the proposed six canals have sparked a major controversy, particularly among farmers in Sindh’s southern region, who fear that the project will deprive them of their fair share of water from the Indus River, a vital resource for their crops.
While concerns of Sindh are valid and deserve serious attention, the initiative to make Cholistan arable land should not be dismissed outright. We must explore all avenues to increase agricultural output, especially in desert regions like Cholistan, which holds great potential for development. However, it must be approached with a careful consideration of the consequences on existing water distribution system and rights of all stakeholders, particularly those in Sindh. It is essential that development of Cholistan’s irrigation infrastructure does not come at the expense of Sindh’s agricultural sustainability.
There must be a thorough consultation process with all provinces, particularly Sindh, to ensure that their concerns are addressed. A cooperative approach would allow for development of new water management solutions that are beneficial for all parties involved, rather than sowing seeds of discord. Utilising vast underground water reserves in Cholistan, through efficient techniques like drip irrigation and precision farming may also be a viable option. This approach will promote responsible growth, ensuring food security while safeguarding region’s ecological integrity and cultural treasures.
