The heaviest monsoon rains and floods have affected Hyderabad and Mirpur Khas divisions, particularly in Badin, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allah Yar, Thatta, Mirpur Khas, and Umer Kot districts. More than 2.5 million people have lost their homes, property, fields, and livestock.
Many old and historical buildings have been affected by these rains and floods. It is reported that around a dozen historical places, buildings, graveyard and shrines of sufi saints are submerged by the rains and floods caused by breaches in the catastrophic schemes such as Left Bank Outfall Drain in Badin and Mirpur Khas districts. A few worth mentioning places and sites which are submerged include the shrine of Mullah Hasan, shrine of Ahmed Raju, shrine of Shaikh Karhio, shrine of martyred Dodo Soomro called “Ropa Marhi”, shrine of Shah Torail, shrine of Saman Sarkar and Sahiba Palace of Talpur rulers, located in Badin districts. It is reported that water has reached more than six feet high in and around these buildings.
Besides this, the grave of Markhan Shaikhan, the first poetess of Sindhi language, which was discovered in front of the famous shrine of Shaikh Karhio is also in a shambles. In Mirpur Kkhas district, famous Nau Kot Fort and historic graveyard of Chander Moria dynasty is also submerged and severely damaged.
Looking at the laxity and lethargy of the concerned district administrations one can say without any hesitation that several other sites are destined to be submerged. Of course, when they have failed to provide rescue and relief to the ill-fated rain and flood victims, nothing can be said about their priority of saving the historical places and sites. However, the UNESCO and concerned provincial departments are requested to protect and preserve the said rare historical sites of Indus valley civilization.
HASHIM ABRO
Islamabad