KARACHI:
Before the monsoon season, parts of Sindh were experiencing heatwaves and drought-like conditions with most people hoping for rains to satisfy crop water needs. Moderate rains and floods recharge underground water and spur spate irrigation in Thar, Kohistan, Kachho and other arid zones. However, the much-needed rains unleashed flash floods across the province destroying crops along with damaging the shabby infrastructure.
The national and provincial disaster management teams and other relevant departments only came to the aid of the people after the situation escalated out of control. Many people who lived in mud houses or frail huts lost their homes and were stranded. It was extremely difficult for locals to rescue one another as most people do not own vehicles. Many areas did not see any form of relief or support from the government authorities. Unfortunately, even major cities across the country were faced with dire conditions as many areas remain inundated with water.
Each year, we witness similar scenes across the country in response to which both federal and provincial governments draw policies and frameworks to prevent future destruction. However, the absence of a will, dedication, and intention has obstructed the widespread implementation of these policies. The authorities must take the recent rain spell as an opportunity to construct more dams and reservoirs to improve water management and storage so that the rainwater can be utilised later. Also, roads must be reconstructed along with repairing and installing new drainage systems to avoid future floods.
Gulsher Panhwer
Johi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 30th, 2022.
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