Jhubo Lake, a significant Ramsar site in Sindh and an internationally recognized wetland, is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis. The lake, once a thriving habitat for diverse aquatic species and migratory birds, is now severely affected by water scarcity and industrial pollution. The alarming degradation of Jhubo Lake is primarily due to chemically contaminated water discharge from sugar mills and the potential consequences of further canal construction on the Indus River.
Jhubo Lake, which was declared an international heritage site in 2011, is now under serious environmental threat. The lake is suffering from two major issues. Firstly, the excessive construction of canals on the Indus River has significantly reduced the natural inflow of freshwater to Jhubo Lake and other wetlands in the Indus Delta. Secondly, the discharge of chemically contaminated water from sugar mills is polluting the lake, leading to the death of fish and migratory birds that rely on the lake’s ecosystem for survival.
One of the primary sources of pollution in Jhubo Lake is the Gonghro Drain, which originates near Bulri Shah Karim in Tando Muhammad Khan. This drain carries highly toxic wastewater from the Abadgar Sugar Mill and transports it to the Dewan Sugar Mill in Jati. The untreated wastewater contains hazardous chemicals that significantly degrade water quality, making it unsuitable for aquatic life.
Jhubo Lake was designated a protected wetland primarily to support birdlife and aquatic species. However, due to increasing pollution and reduced water levels, biodiversity in the lake is at risk. The declining fish population has disrupted the food chain, further threatening migratory birds that rely on the lake for sustenance. The loss of habitat is pushing several species toward extinction, posing a significant threat to Sindh’s ecological balance.
The construction of additional canals on the Indus River is not only impacting Jhubo Lake but also endangering other lakes in the Indus Delta region, such as Nariari Lake, located on the border of Sujawal and Badin districts. Reduced water flow into these lakes is leading to shrinking wetlands and loss of aquatic ecosystems, increased salinity due to reduced freshwater inflow, and declining fish populations, affecting the livelihoods of local fishermen.
To protect Jhubo Lake and other wetlands in the Indus Delta, immediate action is required at both governmental and community levels. The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) must enforce stringent regulations on sugar mills to treat wastewater before disposal. The Sindh government should reconsider the construction of new canals and prioritize water allocation to protect existing wetlands. Conservation efforts should be initiated to restore the ecological balance of Jhubo Lake, including the reintroduction of freshwater sources and habitat protection. Local communities, especially fishermen and environmental groups, must be engaged in efforts to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems.
Jhubo Lake and other wetlands in Sindh are invaluable natural assets that require urgent attention and conservation efforts. Without immediate intervention, the continued degradation of these ecosystems will have dire consequences for biodiversity, local communities, and the environment. The government of Sindh, along with environmental organizations and concerned citizens, must take swift action to address these pressing issues and ensure the preservation of Sindh’s wetlands for future generations.