Pakistan’s hidden gem: Blue ink lagoon faces its greatest challenge yet

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

Lagoon Marvel

Pakistan’s Khor Kalmat lagoon forms fully only at high tide, sustaining life in an arid desert with its dynamic tidal flows from the Arabian Sea.

Desert Contrast

Nestled between harsh desert mountains, the lagoon’s blue waters stand out vividly, appearing “like blue ink bleeding onto parchment,” per the U.S. Geological Survey.

Mangrove Haven

The lagoon’s mangrove forests act as nurseries for fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, supporting local biodiversity and providing resources for nearby communities.

Mudflat Feast

At low tide, exposed mudflats become hunting grounds for wading birds from the nearby Buzi Makola Wildlife Sanctuary, rich with insects and buried fish.

Life Amid Aridity

Despite minimal rainfall, the lagoon’s water cycles sustain intricate ecosystems, making it a rare oasis along the Makran Coastal Range.

Human Impact

Overfishing, mangrove deforestation, and climate change-driven rising temperatures have stressed the lagoon’s fragile ecosystem, warns WWF Pakistan.

Threat of Development

A proposed naval base in the lagoon poses significant risks to its already strained ecosystems, raising concerns about its future sustainability.

Ecosystem Health

Recent assessments are scarce, but past reports highlight rapid environmental degradation, urging immediate conservation measures.

Nature’s Balance

Khor Kalmat remains a delicate example of life’s resilience, balancing human use and ecological preservation in a rapidly changing climate.