The story of the Earth is one of constant transformation. Around fifty million years ago, tectonic plates collided, pushing the Himalayas upward and reshaping the landscape. The seabed transformed into rising mountains, and ocean currents began to circulate differently. Wind patterns shifted, leading to increased moisture evaporation and the formation of rain and snow. Glaciers emerged, and the Indus River System was born. This process set the stage for the geography and climate we see today, a result of millions of years of evolution.
Monsoons and their associated flooding have been part of the natural cycle for millennia. While climate systems typically adjust slowly over time, there have been instances of sudden and catastrophic changes. Change, in fact, is the only constant in our planet’s history. We now live in the Anthropocene, an era marked by human-driven disruptions to Earth’s climate and biodiversity. This is the sixth mass extinction in the planet’s billions of years of existence.
We are currently facing an “existential crisis,” a term that carries deep significance. These are times of profound change, and the questions we must ask are critical: Will we as a species respond appropriately to the impacts of climate change? Is a proportionate response even possible? Understanding the “why” and “what” behind these challenges is essential. The answers lie in working with nature rather than against it. However, humans often focus on increasing divisions among themselves, even fighting over water.
Water has become a highly politicized and commodified resource. Dams have been built to control its flow, sometimes denying access to certain communities. In some cases, water is released to preserve or destroy ecosystems. Historically, men have poisoned wells, and today, glacial melt and rainfall mix with toxic industrial waste. During floods, this pollution reaches the Delta of the Indus River in a diluted form. But during the dry season, untreated waste concentrates into a harmful mixture that ends up in the sea, poisoning the environment.
Inland, pollutants often leach into the ground or are pumped back into aquifers. Many of these environmental issues are documented, while others go unnoticed. Some pollutants persist for long periods, especially synthetic and industrial chemicals. However, histories are often rewritten, and the evidence of human destruction is ignored or hidden. Our cultures originated from the pure waters of these rivers, and stories of strong women and men have been passed down through generations. These rivers have carried our histories, ancestral pain, and passion, but now they carry the consequences of our actions.
Poetic words may seem abstract, but how else can one describe the lifeline of our existence? The Indus River connects the high mountains, productive plateaus, fertile plains, and the alluvial delta. It once wove together the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, and its threads still connect us. This is an incredible tapestry, our home. Will this fabric tear? Will the threads unravel? Will the rivers divide us? If the rivers die, do we?
Our futures are deeply linked to the fate of these waters. Global warming will continue to cause glacier melting, intensified rainfall, regular floods, and escalating droughts. The river’s gift of distributing and sharing its waters is no longer guaranteed. The land’s treasures include riverbeds, floodplains, and self-charging aquifers. Who should protect them?
The water cycle will continue, but the patterns will change. In Pakistan, this change will directly affect our communities. How many people will be forced to move? What will remain visible are the channels formed by nature. Water follows the laws of physics, flowing downhill and overflowing into floodplains when necessary. If obstructed, it will erode whatever stands in its way. If our constructions do not respect these elemental forces, they will be damaged or destroyed.
Architect Arif Hassan emphasized the importance of mapping waterways. Many floods have resulted from encroachments on natural water paths. Protecting the land between rivers and floodplains, and developing forests, scrub, and alternative agriculture, can reduce the availability of land for real estate. This is necessary for creating a healthier environment. Residential development on arable land is foolish, and building on floodplains is criminal. Yet, such practices continue.
Human engineering cannot subdue the forces of nature. The question remains: Should we aspire to do so? Constructions, machines, and pumps work only when the control required is manageable. Our interventions must respect the laws of science. When we work with, rather than against, the natural surges of water, we can achieve long-term success.
Some interventions include:
- Dams – They can work if conditions are correct, but they come with challenges like siltation. The Tarbela Dam is a prime example of this issue.
- Recharge wells – Though not fashionable, they are effective, low-cost, and viable in floodplains.
- Ancient methods – Techniques like those used in Mohenjodaro, including higher ground settlements and floodplain agriculture, offer sustainable solutions.
As our population grows, we must prioritize the custodianship of Earth. This includes protecting the land where we were born, even if we no longer live there. Pakistan may not bear the weight of the world, but it often bears the brunt of environmental fallout. A burden can be a lesson, depending on how we react.
We must look after the asset that has shaped our ancient presence. Ensuring the correct usage of natural resources is crucial, not just for institutions or individuals but for the nation as a whole. Protecting ecosystems that sustain us is essential for long-term progress and development.
Education, knowledge, and questioning are paramount. As Richard Feynman noted, science begins with the acceptance of ignorance. Without curiosity and the pursuit of answers, we risk abdicating our future. The Quran reminds us to reflect, contemplate, and walk gently on the Earth. Harmony with nature and understanding of its laws are the only path forward.
Will we? Can we? Is there a choice?
