Fisherfolk in south Punjab are migrating due to pollution

Fisherfolk in south Punjab are facing severe challenges as pollution and declining water levels in rivers force them to migrate. Fish populations have dropped significantly due to industrial waste, threatening their traditional livelihoods and turning them into climate refugees. One family, the Miranis, has moved multiple times in search of better conditions, now settling along the Chenab River in Rangpur. They report that many in their community have abandoned fishing due to the polluted waters and lack of fish, which has made survival increasingly difficult. The situation is exacerbated by ineffective environmental policies and a lack of wastewater treatment, leading to a humanitarian crisis for over 4 million people dependent on fishing. As pollution continues to rise, the future of these communities remains uncertain.