Indus at a Crossroads: Six Canals, One River, and the Quest for Equitable Solutions

The plan to build six water canals from the Indus River in Punjab province has sparked significant controversy, particularly from Sindh province, which is concerned about the potential impact on its water share and ecological balance. This issue is deeply rooted in historical, political, and environmental factors, and resolving it requires a balanced approach that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders. Below is a detailed overview and a proposed amicable resolution:

Overview of the Issue

1. Historical Context:

   – The Indus River is the lifeline of Pakistan, providing water to Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balochistan.
   – The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) and the Water Apportionment Accord (1991) govern water distribution among provinces. However, disputes over water allocation have persisted.
   – Sindh has historically felt marginalized in water distribution, fearing that upstream projects in Punjab could reduce its share.

2. Current Plan:

   – The federal government proposes building six new canals in Punjab to enhance irrigation and agricultural productivity.
   – Punjab argues that these canals will improve water management and support food security.
   – Sindh fears that the canals will divert water away from its share, exacerbating water scarcity and harming its agriculture, ecology, and economy.

3. Key Concerns:

   – Water Scarcity: Sindh already faces water shortages, and the new canals could reduce its share further.
Environmental Impact: Reduced water flow could harm the Indus Delta, leading to salinity intrusion, loss of biodiversity, and damage to mangrove forests.
    Inter-Provincial Distrust: Sindh perceives the plan as favoring Punjab, deepening mistrust between the provinces.
   – Legal and Constitutional Issues: Sindh argues that the plan violates the Water Apportionment Accord and provincial autonomy.

Proposed Amicable Resolution
To resolve this contentious issue, a multi-faceted approach is needed, focusing on transparency, equity, and sustainability. Here are the steps:

1. Inclusive Dialogue and Stakeholder Engagement

   – Establish a high-level inter-provincial commission comprising representatives from all provinces, federal authorities, and technical experts.
   – Include stakeholders such as farmers, environmentalists, and civil society to ensure all voices are heard.
   – Use platforms like the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to facilitate dialogue and build consensus.

2. Transparent Water Audits and Data Sharing

   – Conduct an independent water audit of the Indus River system to assess current water usage, losses, and availability.
   – Share real-time data on water flows and allocations with all provinces to build trust and ensure accountability.

3. Equitable Water Distribution

   – Reaffirm the principles of the Water Apportionment Accord (1991) and ensure that any new projects do not violate Sindh’s water share.
   – Develop a water-sharing formula that accounts for seasonal variations and ensures fair distribution.

4. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

   – Conduct a comprehensive EIA for the proposed canals, evaluating their impact on the Indus Delta, agriculture, and ecosystems in Sindh.
   – Implement mitigation measures to address any adverse effects, such as ensuring minimum downstream flows to protect the delta.

5. Modernization of Water Infrastructure

   – Invest in modern irrigation techniques (e.g., drip irrigation) and water storage projects to reduce wastage and improve efficiency.
   – Upgrade existing canal systems in both Punjab and Sindh to minimize water losses and ensure optimal utilization.

6. Compensation and Development Packages

   – If the canals are deemed necessary, provide compensation to Sindh in the form of development projects, such as building reservoirs, improving irrigation systems, or investing in the Indus Delta’s restoration.
   – Allocate funds for climate resilience projects in Sindh to address water scarcity and environmental degradation.

7. Legal and Institutional Reforms

   – Strengthen the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to ensure impartial water distribution and conflict resolution.
   – Enact legislation to protect the rights of downstream provinces and ensure compliance with water-sharing agreements.

8. Public Awareness and Confidence Building

   – Launch public awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders about the benefits and safeguards of the proposed plan.
   – Build confidence through transparent decision-making and regular updates on project progress.

Conclusion:
The construction of six canals on the Indus River in Punjab is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of technical, environmental, and political factors. By prioritizing transparency, equity, and sustainability, the federal government can address Sindh’s concerns and build consensus among all stakeholders. A collaborative approach that respects the rights of all provinces and ensures the long-term health of the Indus River system is essential for Pakistan’s water security and national unity.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
+92 321 9402157