Indus river
trans-boundary river system
A transboundary river is a river that crosses at least one political border, either a border within a nation or an international boundary.
The Indus River is the longest river in Pakistan, Asia. The Indus River begins in the Himalaya Mountains and flows for 3,000 kilometres to the Arabian Sea. The river has a total drainage area over 1,165,000 km2 or 450,000 square miles. The entire river basin covers an area of about 384,000 square miles of open land, 204,000 lie in Pakistan.
In the Indus' waters, the fate of agriculture and its future within Pakistan is uncertain. Pakistan is being rapidly industrialised and relies on its water resources - a big percentage of its industry has to be drawn upon agricultural produce for its distribution of raw materials.
Threats to the river (wildlife)
Some wildlife, more specifically habitats have been broken up as a changing management structure of the river. The Indus River dolphin for example has been in decline as a result of the construction of many barrages and dams, this began in the 1930's. The population as a result was split into small groups, the habitat was consequently damaged and migration was impeded. The accidental capture of these dolphins and the hunting that has been takin place for meat, medicine and oil has also impacted the dolphin population in the Indus River.
In the Indus' waters, the fate of agriculture and its future within Pakistan is uncertain. Pakistan is being rapidly industrialised and relies on its water resources - a big percentage of its industry has to be drawn upon agricultural produce for its distribution of raw materials.
Threats to the river (wildlife)
Some wildlife, more specifically habitats have been broken up as a changing management structure of the river. The Indus River dolphin for example has been in decline as a result of the construction of many barrages and dams, this began in the 1930's. The population as a result was split into small groups, the habitat was consequently damaged and migration was impeded. The accidental capture of these dolphins and the hunting that has been takin place for meat, medicine and oil has also impacted the dolphin population in the Indus River.
Pollution (a potential threat)
Pollution is expected to threatened a population increase in the river, this problem will be magnified also by the absence of a strong water flow. Untreated sewage is the main problem here; it is directly polluting the Indus River. The communities who live within informal settlements along the banks of the river and along canals do not have adequate infrastructure (eg toilets), so the sewage goes directly into the water. Industrial pollution has also caused massive fish kills in urban areas. Pesticide use has also increased along the river banks as the Indus River Basin is mainly a cultivated area and crops like sugarcane are close to the river - pesticide use has increased as a result along the river bank.
Pollution is expected to threatened a population increase in the river, this problem will be magnified also by the absence of a strong water flow. Untreated sewage is the main problem here; it is directly polluting the Indus River. The communities who live within informal settlements along the banks of the river and along canals do not have adequate infrastructure (eg toilets), so the sewage goes directly into the water. Industrial pollution has also caused massive fish kills in urban areas. Pesticide use has also increased along the river banks as the Indus River Basin is mainly a cultivated area and crops like sugarcane are close to the river - pesticide use has increased as a result along the river bank.
People who use the River
Many people live along the upper reaches of the Indus River eg Tibetans. They mostly speak Tibetan languages and practice Buddhism.
Pastoralism is important in the area and important for the success of the local economy. In main Himalayan locations, areas have been drained by the headwaters of major Indus tributaries. They, as a result, form a transitional zone where Tibetan cultures mingle with those in other areas eg the India 'pahari' hill region.
Water, as a resource, is a big part of people's lives in this area. One resident says that water is key for survival and it also has spiritual relevance for the population. The Indus River is for ceremonial purposes as well as nourishment.
Many people live along the upper reaches of the Indus River eg Tibetans. They mostly speak Tibetan languages and practice Buddhism.
Pastoralism is important in the area and important for the success of the local economy. In main Himalayan locations, areas have been drained by the headwaters of major Indus tributaries. They, as a result, form a transitional zone where Tibetan cultures mingle with those in other areas eg the India 'pahari' hill region.
Water, as a resource, is a big part of people's lives in this area. One resident says that water is key for survival and it also has spiritual relevance for the population. The Indus River is for ceremonial purposes as well as nourishment.