NEWS TAKE FROM AWAMI AWAZ NEWSPAPER
*Sindh (Sindh Desk)* – Water expert Dr. Hassan Abbas has stated that Sindh’s concerns regarding the canal extraction project from the Indus River are well-founded. He emphasized that constructing a canal in the desert is impractical due to the region’s naturally uneven terrain.
Speaking on a private TV program, Dr. Abbas explained that in the 21st century, the idea that building a canal will transform a desert into fertile land is unrealistic. The canals constructed during the British era were successful because they were built in naturally leveled areas. In contrast, Cholistan’s uneven landscape makes it highly unlikely that water will reach the intended destinations.
He pointed out that despite some wells being dug in Cholistan, the area shows little to no signs of greenery. The availability of fresh groundwater is limited, and if saline water begins to emerge, it could lead to waterlogging and land degradation. Dr. Abbas also noted that canals are not suitable for corporate farming. If the plan involves stopping canals at certain points to allow sediment to settle and clear water to be extracted, massive reservoirs would need to be constructed. At least one pond would be required to hold water for three days.
The intense heat of the desert causes significant sedimentation in canal water, leading to the formation of layers of deposits within two days. Corporate farming requires pressurized irrigation systems, but canal water contains sand and silt, which can damage pumps and nozzles. Filtering this water through large ponds would be prohibitively expensive. Directly integrating canal water into an agricultural system without additional infrastructure is not feasible. Moreover, canal water seeps into the ground, and the cost of constructing canals would necessitate an equally expensive drainage system.
Dr. Abbas also mentioned that this issue has been discussed under the “Green Pakistan” initiative. He stressed that the canal project is not only costly but also impractical. There are previous examples of canal failures in deserts, such as in India’s Rajasthan, where diverting three rivers has still not made the desert fertile.
Agriculture in deserts is not impossible, but the quality and quantity of water are critical factors. Without the right quality and sufficient quantity of water, agriculture cannot be sustained. Canals are not the only solution—other alternatives exist. Dr. Abbas highlighted that the sand beneath the rivers contains significant amounts of freshwater. Beneath the Sutlej River alone, there are 34 million acre-feet of water, and beneath the Indus River, there are 110 million acre-feet. Instead of canals, a system of pipes and pumps could be far more effective.
Dr. Abbas also cited examples from the Middle East, where even major highways get covered with sand, requiring heavy maintenance costs.