KARACHI, Dec 30: The Sindhi Association of North America (Sana) has declared 2007 as ‘Save Indus River Year’ to support the indigenous communities’ movement against mega dams, canals and drainage projects being regarded by them as harmful to masses.

In a statement e-mailed to Pakistani media from Houston, Sana President Aziz Narejo declared that the association would contact the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and other financial institutions like Saudi and Japanese banks and try to convince them not to fund any controversial water project in Pakistan. Seminars would also be held on the subject to disseminate information on the adverse effects of big dams, he said.

According to him, Sana has given a serious thought to Pakistan’s decision to build a number of highly controversial mega dams and canals on the Indus River System.

The association has reached the conclusion that since there is already a severe shortage of water in the system, the construction of any new dams and canals upstream will prove destructive for the river, its delta, the environment, the ecosystem and for the life and the economy of the lower riparian province.

It is a matter of grave concern that the government of Pakistan has disregarded the strong opposition by its masses to any dams and canals upstream.

The government has also unwisely ignored the multiple resolutions passed by three of the four provincial assemblies against the construction of Kalabagh Dam.

Sana is of the firm view that the construction of mega dams and canals is divisive and extremely detrimental to the harmony, unity and integrity of the country. It will be in the interest of the country to avoid undertaking such dangerous and unnecessary projects especially when several experts have advocated a number of viable alternatives that may also be cost-effective and more beneficial.

Construction of mega dams is also against the world opinion as the people are becoming increasingly aware of the harmful effects of large dams. There are strong anti-dam movements around the world and they are continuously gaining strength.

The Sana message recalled that the World Commission on Dams had also cautioned governments against unscrupulous construction of large dams.