Manchar Lake, located in Jamshoro District of Sindh, is the largest freshwater lake in Pakistan

It lies to the west of the Indus River, at the foothills of the Kirthar Mountains, which serve not only as a geographical boundary but also as the catchment area and natural source of inflow for the lake.

The lake spans over 250 square kilometers under normal conditions and expands to more than 500 square kilometers during the monsoon season

The indigenous Mohana tribe, a traditional Sindhi fisherfolk community, has historically depended on Manchar Lake for its livelihood

Often referred to as the “Boat People” the Mohanas have relied on fishing and related activities for generations

However, as fish populations have dwindled and environmental conditions have worsened, many Mohanas have relocated to embankments and settled on land adjacent to the lake.

A significant number of Mohana men have migrated to coastal areas in search of alternative fishing opportunities

While Manchar Lake remains a prominent geographical and cultural feature of Sindh, its future hinges on the implementation of sustainable environmental policies and infrastructural improvements

The degradation of Manchar Lake underscores the pressing need for rehabilitation measures.

The lake’s historical, ecological, and social significance highlights the importance of coordinated intervention to ensure its long-term viability.