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Around 50 million years ago, tectonic plates collided, leading to the uplift of the Himalayas. The ocean floor was transformed into rising mountains. New ocean currents began to flow, and wind patterns shifted. Warm waters led to greater evaporation, resulting in increased rainfall and snowfall. Glaciers emerged. The Indus River system came into existence. The topography and climate of the subcontinent started taking on the shape we recognize today. This occurred approximately 10 million years ago.

Monsoons and the associated flooding are a long-standing natural occurrence. For thousands of years, climate systems have evolved gradually, although there have been instances of abrupt and devastating changes. Change is the sole constant. Our geological period is known as the Anthropocene. This era is characterized by significant, human-increased disturbances to Earth’s climate and living diversity. Throughout the billions of years that our planet has existed, this marks the sixth instance of mass extinction. Six out of billions of years.

We are currently experiencing an “existential crisis.” The significance of these frequently used terms must be thoroughly grasped. These are significant times. The key questions to consider are: Will we, as a species and a community, address the effects of climate change in a suitable manner? Is a balanced response even feasible? The reasons and the actions required are also essential inquiries. The solutions can be found in collaborating in unity with these formidable natural forces, rather than opposing them. However, humans appear to be concentrating on amplifying divisions among ourselves. We engage in conflicts, and now we are beginning to fight over access to water.

Water has become subject to bureaucracy, commercialization, politics, and even weaponization. Dams have been constructed to store, control, or withhold water. It has been released through actions of conservation or devastation. Historically, people have contaminated wells. Nowadays, melting glaciers, rainfall, and rain combine with harmful waste from industrial activity and indifference. During floods, the Delta at the end of the Indus is exposed to these pollutants in a diluted state. When the dry season comes, untreated waste becomes concentrated into a strong, corrosive, and toxic mixture. This ultimately turns into poison in the ocean. We are poisoning our own wells.

Inland, it is frequently permitted to leach, or in the case of water bottling facilities, even pumped back into groundwater and aquifers. Some of these instances are documented, while most go unnoticed. Many pollutants remain. Synthetic, industrial, agricultural, and chemical substances tend to linger. However, this was not always the case. Histories are reinterpreted, and narratives are fabricated. Indications of our harmful human impact and severe environmental damage are often overlooked, some are concealed. Our cultures originated from the once pristine flow of these waters. Tales and myths have been shared; primarily about powerful women and a few men. Legends that speak of values, positions, and love are all tied to these rivers. These waterways have carried our histories, our ancestral grief and emotions. They now carry flows polluted by us. Everything eventually returns to where our mother river, the Indus, lies. This delta is where it returns—to its origins. To where its journey starts anew.

Poetic expressions, maybe cryptic, yet how can one characterize the lifeline, the essence of our existence? This river has linked those towering mountains, the fertile plateaus, the rich plains, and this alluvial delta. It was these silver strands, once untangled, that were woven together. They formed the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. That weave and thread still unites us all. This remains a remarkable tapestry. This is our home.

Will this bond between us break? Will the connections come apart? Will these streams, whether flowing or dry, ultimately separate us? If the streams vanish, does that mean we do too? What shape will the cultures that emerge from these waters take? What form has our current existence taken? What will we create for tomorrow? What will those who come after do with us? Significant histories and inequalities are being observed today. Will we listen to His-stories, Her-stories, or Histories? Can we craft our own authentic narrative?

I continue to pray for and believe in the compass and sails of self-determination. However, only if we hold them tightly will they assist in navigating today’s complex and shifting currents. It is essential to understand our origins. It is crucial to examine our future direction. It is vital to recognize the distinction between the woven and the spun. What separates a history from his-story?

Our river absorbs and collects everything into a main current, into the once and still amazing Indus. This is our rag-e-gar-dan (jugular vein). It has served as the home for our people for thousands of years. It may separate and break apart, but only when it is getting ready to spread out into the arms of its mother and the warmth of the ocean.

There is no uncertainty that our future depends greatly on the condition of these water sources. Climate change will keep leading to glacier melting, more intense seasonal rains, frequent flooding, and worsening droughts. This is well understood, foreseeable, and currently unavoidable. The river’s contribution has been the movement and sharing of its water. This is no longer a certainty. The land provides these river channels, floodplains, rich soil, and naturally replenished underground reservoirs. These are valuable assets. Who needs to protect them from?

It is certain that the water cycle will keep going. Evaporation from the oceans, weather patterns, and the creation of ice and snow will persist, although they will undergo changes. In Pakistan, this will have an immediate negative impact on our communities. How many people will be compelled or will decide to leave?

What will clearly remain are the channels created by nature. The laws of physics will continue to make liquids flow downward. When the amount and speed of the flow is significant, it will spill over onto floodplains. If there is something in its path that it cannot move, it will change direction and erode whatever it encounters. This is how water behaves. If our structures do not align with, and respect the fundamental forces of nature, they will be harmed or destroyed. We are seeing this happen. If some manmade concrete gets washed away, so what? However, if people experience deep sorrow due to loss—then there is much to protest about loudly.

As stated by our national icon, Architect Arif Hassan sahib, in his article titled “Reporting on Floods”: “Mapping waterways is essential. A significant portion of the floods has occurred due to encroachments on these waterways, which have emerged along the routes of rivers and streams, thereby obstructing natural flow. It is crucial to safeguard the land between the river and its floodplains, and to promote the growth of forests, shrubs, and alternative farming practices there. This will limit the land available for real estate projects. However, this is what we need to establish a more contented and healthier physical and social environment.” It goes without saying that we all must agree that a better, healthier environment is essential.

Considering national interests, one of the least effective and least favorable uses of land or water is for exclusive housing communities. Developing residential areas on fertile lands is simply irrational. Selling homes on floodplains is a clear criminal act—and this continues to happen regularly. We must respect the way water moves. It will follow the channels it has formed. This is an undeniable fact of geography and gravity. It is also a historical truth. These ancient waterways are clearly visible in aerial images and satellite data. They can even be seen in Martian landscapes. If this is evident, then why construct buildings in riverbeds? Why build within our cities’ naalas (stormwater channels)? Why do buyers acquire properties that are known to flood?

The developers and marketing experts are not affected. The final purchaser of that “file” faces the consequences. Those who wish to reside or work in these properties experience hardship. Why do professionals, city planners, architects, engineers, and developers strongly support “draining the swamp”? Land that is prone to flooding will continue to do so.

The undeniable reality is that human technology remains incapable of overcoming the powerful forces of nature. The central issue is: should we, as a species, aim to achieve this?

Structures, machinery, and pumps function effectively when the surge and level of control needed are within reasonable limits. Our creations can be successful only if we collaborate with the principles of established and comprehended science. Engineering efforts that do not oppose, but instead align with, the natural forces of the environment will achieve lasting success.

I would like to highlight several approaches:

1. Do dams work? Yes, but only when the conditions are favorable. Three sides of elevated terrain, a narrow and tall opening; an area that can be dammed. The water passing through turbines does produce electricity. The dam does form a reservoir, storing essential water. But for how long? How quickly does the flooded valley become filled with silt? This is not a hypothetical question. Our Tarbela Dam serves as a clear example of siltation.

2. Recharge wells – are they in style? No. Do they function? Yes. Is the initial investment significant? No. Are they set up rapidly? Yes. Do they get clogged quickly? No. Do they require filtration for sediment? Yes. Are they demanding in terms of upkeep? No. Is this a sustainable option over time? Yes. Is this the main solution? No. Are they feasible in areas prone to flooding? Definitely yes. Are they an absurd choice? Definitely not.

3. Ancient techniques – are they still being used? Yes. There is historical proof of living and cultivating in areas with frequent flooding, as seen in Mohenjodaro. Positioning settlements and towns on elevated land is logical and evident. Floodplain farming and the rain cycle – Kharif and Rabi crop planting – are still followed. The Karez, water distribution systems (underground canals) were once in use but are now declining. They continue to be an impressive way of managing groundwater in dry regions. Gaining knowledge from indigenous practices of sustainable living is essential.

Our population growth demands that we remain aware of the importance of protecting the Earth. This is particularly relevant to the land where we were born, even if we no longer reside there. Pakistan clearly cannot carry the burden of the entire world. We do appear to consistently face the consequences of many global issues. However, a burden can also serve as a lesson. It can be understood and learned from. I believe this outcome largely depends on how an individual responds and what steps they take in the future.

We must take care of the asset that has given rise to our long-standing existence on this land. It is necessary that we manage its natural resources appropriately. This should be in the nation’s best interest, rather than solely benefiting institutions, corporations, groups, or individuals. To safeguard everyone’s future, progress, productivity, and development must occur without harming the ecosystems that support us. We need to enhance the value of human lives. Elevating all requires a long-term perspective. We must utilize land and resources wisely, thoughtfully, sustainably, innovatively, and fairly. Without this, a commendable culture cannot be established.

With the increase in population, it is essential to recognize that local resources will become increasingly necessary. Food security and industries that can be traded depend on self-reliance in energy, raw materials, and skilled labor. Pakistan still has considerable potential. I am convinced of this. However, will we waste this chance? The future demands solutions that are driven by knowledge (science) and based on nature. The challenge is thrilling.

Richard Feynman, the physicist involved in the development of the atomic bomb, described science during a lecture to his students: “Science is the acceptable philosophy of ignorance.” In other words, acknowledging that we don’t fully understand the principles of nature and science serves as a foundation. The unknown drives the essential questions needed for comprehension. This reflects a philosophical approach in the pursuit of truth. I find the depth and modesty in his words motivating.

There is a great deal we remain unaware of. However, without the existence of questions and the availability of human minds that are prepared and educated to find solutions, we might as well step away from shaping our own destiny. Are we moving along this path of surrender?

The pursuit of education, the quest for knowledge, and the act of questioning are essential. In order to make well-informed choices, this is necessary. The call to think, reflect, and ponder is often repeated in the Holy Quran. Furthermore, there is a directive to tread lightly upon the Earth and to serve as guardians. And the word “Iqra”

Achieving harmony with our environment, maintaining equilibrium and comprehension of natural processes (science) is the sole path ahead. We must travel this route confidently, resolutely, with humility, and through careful, gentle actions. This is genuine, not only in how we relate to nature but also in how we regard all living beings. Particularly our own kind. Let us not overlook the histories, whether recorded or passed down, of nature or of humanity.

Will we? Can we? Is there a decision?