THE province of Sindh has a 320km coastline stretching eastward from the Hub River in Balochistan to Sir Creek along the Indian border. The peculiarity of the region is the Indus delta/creek system, which is spread over about 85 per cent of the area. Sindh's coastal belt is house to the world's largest arid land mangroves vegetation, which also happens to be the world's 13th largest mangroves forests in terms of coverage.

The coastal Sindh, in addition to Karachi, is administratively divided into eight talukas (subdistricts) of two districts, Thatta and Badin. As per the 1998 census, the total population living in this region was 1.135 million.

They are mostly engaged with fishery, with a small percentage engaged with agriculture and allied professions. In view of the dwindling sources of livelihood in the region, due to a variety of factors, a vast majority (about 79 per cent) live below the poverty line.

But, besides these challenges, this region offers tremendous opportunities for investment and development. A peculiar feature of the region is its wind potential for generation of electricity which, according to one estimate, is about 43000 MW.

Then there is vast potential for aquaculture and enterprises associated with it like fish grading, packaging and preservation. The picturesque islands in the region offer tremendous opportunities for eco-tourism as well.

The government of Sindh, under the leadership of Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, is committed to the development of this region, with particular emphasis on poverty reduction.

DR MUHAMMAD ALI SHAIKH
Director-General , Sindh Coastal Development Authority
Karachi