Sindh highlights 207 dams, mangrove restoration in Climate Action Drive
KARACHI (News Desk): The Sindh government has reviewed its ongoing climate resilience initiatives, highlighting the construction of 207 small dams, large-scale mangrove restoration and coastal protection projects as part of efforts to address growing environmental threats.
Chairing a meeting on climate change, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah directed relevant departments to accelerate projects aimed at protecting communities from floods, droughts, water scarcity and coastal erosion.
The meeting was informed that 207 small dams had been constructed across Sindh, providing a combined water storage capacity of 650,000 acre-feet. Canal rehabilitation spanning 552 miles across 23 districts had also been completed, resulting in water savings of 884 cusecs.
The chief minister also reviewed the Delta Blue Carbon project, which aims to restore mangrove forests across 126,000 hectares to strengthen the natural protection of the Indus Delta and prevent coastal erosion.
Under the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project, more than 500,000 people in Thatta, Sujawal and Badin are expected to benefit from improved coastal protection.
Murad Ali Shah directed officials to accelerate drainage, irrigation and water conservation projects, stressing that climate change was not merely an environmental concern but a fundamental development challenge for the province.
The meeting also reviewed plans to generate an additional 2,360 megawatts of wind power and provide solar energy solutions to 275,000 low-income and off-grid households.
Officials further briefed the chief minister on the $540 million STAR WASH programme, which aims to provide clean drinking water and sanitation facilities in flood-affected villages, with 1.2 to 1.5 million people targeted in its first phase.
The chief minister called for greater collaboration with international development institutions and private investors, directing departments to prioritise sustainable infrastructure and climate-resilient development.