General Information Environment of Sindh Environmental Laws
Environment of Sindh

Topography

Physically, the province of Sindh can be divided into three longitudinal regions:

   i.  Central alluvial plain known as Kacho
   ii. Eastern sandy desert or Thar and;
   iii.Western hilly region or Kohistan

Climate

The climate of the province is characterized by extreme variations in temperature and sparse rainfall. During summer the temperature is extremely high and may reach above 46 degrees centigrade. On the other hand, in winter the temperature may fall to as low as 2 degrees centigrade. The annual average rainfall of the province is approximately 7 inches.

Forests

Riverine Forests

The riverine forests occur along both banks of the Indus River. They rely on inundation by the River for irrigation and therefore their existence is heavily dependent on the intensity, duration and frequency of river water flow.

Flooding by the Indus River causes huge amounts of land to be eroded and consequently deposited in adjoining areas. These new lands that are created as a result of soil deposition are known as ‘kachos’ in Sindhi.

Initially, the new land supports the growth of species like Tamarix dioica (Lai), Saccharum munja (Kanh) and Populus euphratica (Bahan). Later as the land becomes stable conditions become favourable for the growth of Acacia nilotica (Babul/Kikar) in these areas. Over time, frequent silt deposition makes the area high lying leading to the growth of species like Prosopis cineraria (Kandi/Jand), Salvadora oleoides (Khabbar), Tamarix articulata (Lau), etc.

Besides providing a source of livelihood for thousands of people, riverine forests also provide fuel wood, timber, fodder, honey, tannin etc. Moreover, they serve as carbon sinks and also protect the surrounding areas from the severity of floods.

Irrigated Plantations 

Irrigated by Sukkur, Kotri and Guddu Barrage irrigation systems, the current annual per hectare yield of these plantations is 4.0 m³. These are planted by the Forest Department for commercial use. The main species grown in the upper region is Dalbergia sisoo (shisham), whereas that in the lower part is Acacia nilotica (Babul/Kikar).

Due to its fast growing nature, Eucalyptus camaldulensis is also being planted in these areas for industrial purposes. Other species include Salmalia malabaricum, Morus alba, Syzygium cumunii, Conocarpus lancifolius, and Leucaena leucocephala.

Mangrove Forests

Mangrove forests are situated along the Indus Delta in Karachi and Thatta districts. Their average annual yield is estimated to be 0.2 m³/ha.

Unlike other plants, mangroves survive in harsh conditions, particularly in areas that lack oxygen and are susceptible to waterlogging. The most commonly distributed species in these areas is Avicennia marina (Grey mangrove, Timar) that comprises 99% of the total vegetation.

Mangroves play a vital role in the economy of our country. They provide habitat and breeding grounds for fish and shrimp and are an important source for fuel wood. Furthermore, they play a key role in preventing the Karachi and Bin Qasim ports from erosion. 

Rangelands are those parts of arid areas, which have various grasses and shrubs growing in them. They are mainly used for grazing of livestock. The rangelands of Sindh are located in Thar and Kohistan. Surviving on a meager average annual rainfall of 100-150 mm, they provide a means of sustenance to local as well as migratory livestock.

Among a large number of scrubs and grass species present here, some are as follows: Tecoma undulata (Lohirro), Capparis aphylla (Kirrir), Salvadora persica, S.oloides (Khhabbar), Acacia senegal (Koombhat), Acacia nilotica (Babul), A.jacquemontii,  (Baavri) and Calotropis procera (Akk).

Over the years, inadequate and irregular supply of rainfall, lack of coordination among government departments, poverty, overgrazing and a high population growth rate have all impacted negatively on the rangelands.

In the 1960s the Department of Forestry undertook an initiative to manage these areas. Their work encompasses reseeding of grasses, plantations of small scrubs or trees, construction of wells and water retention devices.

Flora

Owing to the prevailing aridity, the flora of Sindh chiefly consists of a large proportion of thorny trees, and plants with either small or no leaves.

Plants like Acacia ruprstris (Kher) and Techoma undulata (Lohirro) are dominant in the western hilly region, whereas Periploca aphylla (Khip) and Calligonum polygonides (Phog) are distributed widely in the eastern sandy desert.

In the central region, the commonly found species include Acacia nilotica (Babul), Azadirachta inidica (Neem), and Prosopis cineraria (Kandi). The most abundantly found fruit bearing trees in the province are Mangifera Indica (Mango) and Phonex Dactylifera (Date palm). Others include Psidium guajava (Guava), Morus alba (Mulberry) , Carcia papaya (Papaya) etc.

The common aquatic plants include Avicennia marina (Grey mangrove), Rhizophora Mucronata (Asiatic Mangrove), Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus), Eichhornia Crassipes (Water Hyacinth) etc.

Fauna

Among the wild animals, the Sindh ibex, Wild sheep, and Black bear are present in the western rocky range. In the eastern region, Striped hyena, Jackal, Fox, Porcupine, common Gray mongoose, and Hedgehog can be found in the lower rocky plains. The Sindhi phekari (Red lynx or Caracal cat) can also be seen in certain areas.

Pharrho (hog deer) and Wild boar, a variety of bats, lizards, and reptiles including cobra, Lundi (viper), the mysterious Sindh krait reside in the central region.

Crocodiles are rare and inhabit only the backwaters of the Indus and its eastern Nara channel. Besides a variety of marine speices like the Plumbeous dolphin, the Beaked dolphin, Rorqual or Blue whale, and a variety of skates visit the coastal areas of Sindh.