Archive · 5 Aug 2025
Pakistan's Indus Delta: Seawater Intrusion Displaces Communities
The Indus River delta in Pakistan is facing a crisis.
Because less water is flowing into the delta due to dams and climate change, the sea is pushing inland, making the soil salty.
This is destroying farms and fishing areas, forcing people to leave their homes.
Over a million people have already been displaced.
The area is becoming deserted as the rising salt water makes it impossible to grow crops or catch fish, leaving residents with no choice but to abandon their villages.
Seawater intrusion has triggered the collapse of farming and fishing communities in Pakistan's Indus delta.
The population of Kharo Chan has decreased from 26,000 in 1981 to 11,000 in 2023.
Over 1.2 million people have been displaced from the overall Indus delta region in the last two decades.
Downstream water flow has decreased by 80% since the 1950s due to irrigation canals, dams, and climate change.
The salinity of the water has risen by around 70% since 1990, making crop growth impossible.
- Who
- People living in the Indus delta region of Pakistan, including farming and fishing communities.
- What
- Collapse of farming and fishing communities and displacement due to seawater intrusion in Pakistan's Indus delta.
- When
- The downstream flow of water has decreased since the 1950s. The salinity of the water has risen by around 70 percent since 1990.
- Where
- Pakistan's Indus delta.
- Why
- Due to reduced downstream water flow, which is caused by irrigation canals, hydropower dams, and climate change impacts.
Environmental Crisis
Causes and Effects
Impact of Seawater Intrusion
Environmental Crisis
Seawater intrusion is devastating the Indus Delta, causing displacement and loss of livelihood.
Causes and Effects
The situation is exacerbated by reduced water flow and climate change.
- Displaced People
- Over 1.2 million in two decades
- Water Flow Reduction
- 80% decrease since 1950s
- Salinity Increase
- 70% since 1990
- Affected Region
- Indus Delta
- Town Population Drop
- Kharo Chan decreased from 26,000 (1981) to 11,000 (2023)
