THE construction of dams has become the talk of the town nowadays. Everybody, particularly the TV news media, is speaking about the importance of the dams. However, I have not heard anyone shed light on the importance of deltas.

I had the opportunity recently to interact with the faculty and students of the Geography and Environmental Sciences department of an Islamabad-based university. I was surprised that many of them did not even know the basic definition what is a delta. At the lowest part of a river is the delta.

It is in these areas where the river’s flow slows and spreads out to create sediment-rich dry areas and biodiverse wetlands. Deltas are important to human activities, fish and other wildlife because they are normally home to very fertile soil as well as a large amount of vegetation.

River deltas have been important to humans since time immemorial because of their extremely fertile soils. Major ancient civilisations grew along deltas such as the Nile and the Tigris-Euphrates rivers.

Deltas remain important to humans because they are a source of sand and gravel. This material is highly valuable as it is used in the construction of highways, buildings, and other infrastructure. In other areas, delta land is important because of its use in agriculture.

In addition to their use by humans, river deltas are some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Thus it is essential that they remain healthy to provide habitat for the many species of plants, animals, insects and fish that live in them.

Environmental experts believe that extensive river management threatens deltas. It increases the amount of land available for agricultural or industrial development, and controls access to water for drinking, industry, and irrigation, but who cares in a society like ours where profit is the only maxim.

With Pakistan’s water future at stake, the Indus River Delta is reported to be dying while the sea continues its ruthless erosion of fertile and populated soil in Sindh. Is anyone listening?

Hashim Abro

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2019