Disclaimer note - WWF - Pakistan

Detailed Ecological Assessment Report 2008 – Keenjhar Lake
features, loss of agriculture, loss of fisheries economic destruction resulting mass
migration of population.
The matter is difficult to find solution however efforts should be focused towards
efficient development of the water system so that proper fresh water flow is
maintained. The biggest city close to the Keti Bunder is Karachi where growing
population is causing extension and establishment of new ventures that hamper
the environment and cause ecological disorder. Oil exploration in the mouth of
Indus delta has been reported as news item of the “The News” of Friday, October
12, 2007 further with the increase of such establishments shipping activities are
expected to enhance more loss to the ecosystem.
Environment impact assessment program should be developed by agencies that
operate in the region with regular monitoring of the situation by the concern
Government department. In order to protect the existing ecological features of the
region any dredging for oil or construction of harbor close compliance with
International Dredging Conservation to which Pakistan is signatory should be
followed and the national agencies should monitor the impact of such operations.
Fishing is the major source from the region but has been under great fishing
pressure which becomes more devastating by the use of illegal nets that render
recruitment losses for fish population. These illegal nets are installed at fixed
selected areas of the delta creating ecological imbalance eventually producing
permanent loss of resources.
The present extent of over fishing requires effective implementation of fisheries
rules and laws should be ensured with close surveillance and monitoring
practices. The more effective means would be to develop close coordination
among fishermen, their societies and fisheries managers. Use of illegal nets in
any part of creek should be prohibited by developing strategies relating to
awareness among stakeholders.
There exits scarcity of knowledge on the biological and ecological status of such
significant ecosystem. Available data is either old or based on inadequate short
term sampling efforts e by agencies. We are unaware of the extent of losses in
progress given the variation of climatic and physical changes occurring by
continuous and regular processes.
• Regular yearly data collection to observe the seasonal impact on the
ecology and fish production is essential for management of the region.
Palla fisheries once the wealth of the river needs to be monitored through
out the year. Construction of Dams/Barrages if required has to be
associated by modern fish ladders consultation of fishery biologists.
Modifications of the existing structure of G.M. Barrage to save the
depleting resource of Palla are essential.
• Socially the inhabitants of Keti Bunder are neglected and very pathetic
state. The poor citizens have no houses, drinking water, medical facilities,
bad family links resulting involvements in illegal, unsocial activities such
as women and men relations, use of drugs at very young age, two years
boy was e addict by his parents to “Gutkka” (recent observations), most of
the fishermen are under the pressure of loans provided by few influential
persons.
• The Government and other donor agencies should take a close look of the
social status of population and establish priorities to undertake
development programs.
WWF Pakistan – Indus for All Programme Page 94 of 188