Illuminating the Indus
‘Illuminating the Indus’ is a research proposal conducted in direct communication with the local Government of Sindh Wildlife Department in the region of Sukkur in Pakistan. It redirects the ongoing Indus River Dolphin conservation initiatives of the department to propose a community based, anti-colonial monitoring of the endangered ecosystems along the Indus.
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The thesis questions what it means to 'live within the trouble' and inhabit the post-colonial anthropogenic landscape. By building systems of collective care for multiple sentient lifeforms, a new infrastructural framework and zoning system for the river bank is created, transforming relationships throughout the of Indus River, monitoring and caring for the home of ‘Bulhan’, the endangered yet beloved Indus River Blind Dolphin.
Local boatmakers rigging-up boats with environmental monitoring sensors
The Indus River Dolphin as a tool for community mobilisation and the expansion of the Government of Sindh Wildlife Department in Sukkur, Pakistan
Fishers, dolphin researchers, boat makers, and wildlife department collaboratively deliberating conservations strategies
Acoustic Eco-monitor and Bird-feeder
Submerged river perspective with endangered Indus River Turtles
PH sensors visualising pollution levels for local fishers and zoning inhabitable regions for endangered wildlife
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PH sensors visualising pollution levels for local fishers and zoning inhabitable regions for endangered wildlife
Redesigned office space for Mr. Adnan, the head of the Sindh Wildlife Departmnet in Sukkur, Pakistan.
Spatial counter-mapping infrastructure for the indus river, using interconnected ecosystem monitoring devices.