Once massively rich in biodiversity as well as natural resources, the Indus Delta is losing its health, vitality, and ecology at an appalling rate, driving the farming and fishing communities out to other areas. This year, the delta is experiencing the worst water shortage ever, as besides River Indus, almost all canals and watercourses are at their lowest ebb. The communities, which depend on River Indus for fishing and agriculture, are now facing hardship in both the sectors due to water scarcity. According to the growers and fishermen of the area, the main Kalri-Baghar canal, known as KB feeder, which emerges from Kotri Barrage and has a capacity of 9,100 cusecs, is presently carrying only 1,950 cusecs of water. “Out of 1,950 cusecs, only 1,200 cusecs are being supplied to meet the demand of Karachi city via Keenjhar Lake, while the rest (750 cusecs) of the water is being released into four major tributaries to meet the irrigation and drinking demands,” they added. The canals that depend on KB feeder for water include Sakro canal, Jam canal, Odero canal and Baghan canal, which feed agriculture lands near their command area through small watercourses and tributaries. Since there is no water for irrigation, all the lands are looking deserted and dry. Gulab Shah, a landlord, who depends on Odero canal for cultivation of his family lands, said the irrigation department officials are under pressure due to unavailability of water. “They are unable to ensure equal distribution of water in irrigation canals and meet the exact demand of people,” Shah, who recently held a meeting with the irrigation department functionaries, told The News. “It is for the first time, the delta is facing such a drought-like situation as not only the river but the water courses are also drying out, leaving the communities helpless situation.” Besides cotton, vegetables, paddy, and banana, betel leaf is also major cash crop in the coastal area. Betel leaf farms provide employment to…