I have no legacy to speak about if there is no water in the
Ravi river
If there is no friend with me, who would I tell my story to?
Streams of tears would fall from my eyes, which I would
then pour to my wounds
If Ravi ever flowed from here
In the music video of Ravi by Sajjad Ali, the singer is seen wandering by an artificially created water body, visibly yearning for Ravi, reminiscing his days in Punjab. The song, owing to its nostalgic appeal, became immensely popular with the South Asian diaspora communities. Sajjad Ali received a lot of praise for his emotive composition re flecting the shared hydro heritage of the region. The river Ravi originates in the Himalayas in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India, travels towards the west-northwest, passing by Chamba and turning southwest at the boundary of Jammu and Kashmir and eventually reaches Pakistan. After reaching the border of Pakistan, it follows the border for over 50 miles (80 km) before entering Lahore.
In history, River Ravi has served as a poignant emblem of shared heritage and cultural resonance within the communities it traverses. Like many water bodies worldwide, the Ravi has played a fundamental role in shaping the history and traditions of the regions it flows through. Communities have flourished along its banks, their identities intricately intertwined with the flow of its waters. For generations, the Ravi has been more than a mere geographical feature; it has been a source of sustenance, a pathway for trade and communication, and a focal point for cultural expression. Its currents have borne witness to rituals, celebrations, and rites of passage. Whether as a source of inspiration for poets and artists or as a sacred site for religious ceremonies, the River Ravi embodies the collective memory and cultural
heritage of the people whose lives have been shaped by its presence.
In this way, it serves not only as a vital lifeline but also as a symbol of resilience, continuity, and interconnectedness across generations. Ships once sailed the broad and wide Ravi. Hindu and Muslim saints lived by the banks and people still worship at shrines built in their honour. But the river flowing past Lahore is not the Ravi of history. It is now a stinking, dirty ribbon flowing between dusty banks, a dump for industry, agriculture and sewage, one of the world’s most polluted bodies of water. Over the years, River Ravi has faced significant challenges as a result of climate change, impacting both its ecological health and the communities reliant on its waters.
One of the most notable consequences of climate change on the Ravi has been altered precipitation patterns, leading to irregular and often reduced water flow. Reduced snowfall in the Himalayan region, which serves as a crucial source of water for the river, has resulted in decreased water availability, particularly during the dry season. This diminished flow has had cascading effects on agriculture, water supply for irrigation, and overall ecosystem health along the river basin.
Rising temperatures exacerbate issues such as glacial melting and evaporation, further depleting water resources and increasing the risk of water scarcity in the region. The changing climate also contributes to extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, which disrupts communities, damages infrastructure, and exacerbates water-related challenges along the river. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns of Ravi also alter the timing and intensity of monsoon rains, which are crucial for replenishing the river and supporting agriculture in the region. Shifts in monsoon patterns can lead to unpredictable water availability, affecting crop yields and livelihoods for farmers dependent on the river’s waters. Moreover, the changes in climate of Ravi exacerbate water pollution and degradation of river ecosystems. Higher temperatures can contribute to the growth of algae blooms and the spread of waterborne diseases, further compromising water quality and human health.
The impacts of climate change on the River Ravi also extend beyond agriculture, affecting other sectors such as industry, tourism, and hydropower generation. Reduced water availability and unreliable flow patterns can disrupt industrial operations, jeopardise tourism activities dependent on the river, and hinder the generation of hydropower, which contributes to the region’s energy supply. Changes in water quality due to pollution and ecosystem degradation can pose health risks for communities reliant on the river for drinking water and sanitation. Waterborne diseases and contamination can increase, putting additional strain on healthcare systems and worsening existing socio-economic disparities.
River Ravi has been profoundly impacted by climate change, facing challenges such as reduced water availability, increased variability in water flow, and heightened vulnerability to extreme weather events. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts in climate mitigation, adaptation
strategies, and sustainable water management practices to safeguard the river’s ecosystem and ensure the well-being of communities dependent on its waters.
The River Ravi Basin is home to 52 million people. The river’s and its network of nullahs are the lifeline connecting and serving families and businesses spread across urban and rural communities in Pakistan’s most populous province. Nullah is the local term used for natural streams and drainage channels that have been converted into open sewers over time. 10 per cent of Punjabis reliant on the River Ravi live in Lahore, where the population has grown 60 per cent in the last 10 years. A handful of other large cities make up the urban balance. It is home to centuries-old cultural and religious treasures plus vital ecosystems and the biodiversity they support. The river network helps feed millions of Pakistanis. Almost 75 per cent of the river basin is used for agriculture. Blistering population growth and robust economic development have stretched the River Ravi ecosystem beyond its capacity, putting at risk the livelihoods of millions of Punjabis and destroying critical ecosystem services that could support the economy. To realise the value of the River Ravi and its nullahs to the basin, and all the people and businesses it
supports, the river network must function as a natural asset.
The writer is our Editorial Assistant and an oral historian.
