Authors:

Abstract

The lower Indus Basin lies in the Sindh province of Pakistan which has been divided on the basis of climatic and geographical factors. Climatically, it is classified into upper and lower regions called Upper Sindh and Lower Sindh. Geographically, Sindh is specifically distributed in three regions i.e., hilly tract in the west, alluvial plain in the centre and sandy desert in the east. Indus River flows in the centre of alluvial plain from north to south spread over 600 km and these areas are environmentally significant. Block of different forests are existed on the both banks of River Indus and termed as ‘Riverine Forests’. These forests are ecologically important due to its complex ecosystem dominated by trees including environmental components. Smooth flow of Indus River during monsoon is the only lifeline for the survival and successful growth of these forests. Indus River is under the environmental stress i.e. diversion of river water for agricultural use coupled with naturally occurring drought, the riverine forests and its associated biodiversity has been negatively affected due insufficient water flow during forest’s growing season which resulted in reduced function and productivity of forest ecosystem to a significant level. Whereas, other socio-economic and managerial issues have worsen the condition riverine forests ecosystem to such a degree that they are fading away from the land. Over the years, several attempts were made to rehabilitate forest ecosystem but resulted in vain due to lack of in-depth study of causes of general degradation. This review article aims to analyse past and present management practices of Riverine Forests and based on current review study; recommendations are being suggested for the sustainable forest management practices.

Journal of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka: 2015 Vol. 4 No. 1: 17-28

Keywords: Change impact, Decline, Indus River, Riverine forest