Left Bank Outfall Drain

The government, with the help and financial support of international agencies like the World Bank, constructed the Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) in the 1980s and 1990s.

The intention was to build a large artificial waterway roughly east of and parallel to the Indus to carry salt water from the plains of Punjab. Districts including Sukkur, Nawabshah, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas and Badin are the part of the LBOD.

The Left Bank Outfall Drain was built to facilitate the people of these districts but due to bad policies of the government the drain is becoming disastrous for the people of these areas. Last August when the flood came, it destroyed the lush green fields of the area. People lost their homes and were rendered destitute. Although the government announced that the people of the affected areas would be supported, no such action was taken by it. As a result, people are still suffering. The construction of the LBOD is underway but the work is very slow.

If it continues at this pace, it may once again prove disastrous for the people. Most probably the rain season may start from the next month.

We request President Asif Ali Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Governor Sindh Ishrat ul Ibad and especially National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza to take positive steps as soon as possible so that the poor population of these districts is saved from any kind of catastrophic situation.

AREEBA REHMAN

Karachi