KARACHI:
The residents of Tharparkar primarily rely on agriculture and livestock for sustenance. The unique ecosystem of the area supports a livestock population five times greater than its human inhabitants. Recent reports indicate that some people have begun cultivating grazing and pasture lands for commercial purposes. This poses a threat to the availability of livestock fodder and is creating conflicts among villagers.
Livestock provides residents with dairy products and meat and is their source of income. Agriculture allows them to cultivate crops necessary for sustenance during periods of rainfall. The herbs and shrubs that sprout after rainfall are crucial for the livestock’s nutritional needs. Cultivation and encroachment will reduce the availability of food for livestock during periods of scarcity. Trees and shrubs prevent soil erosion, maintain groundwater levels, and support overall biodiversity. Indiscriminate cutting of trees and encroachment on grazing lands disrupts this delicate balance, leading to adverse environmental consequences.
To mitigate these issues and protect the interests of the local community, the authorities should impose a strict ban on cultivating grazing and pasture lands. This ban would preserve these lands for the primary purpose of providing fodder for the livestock. It would also help safeguard the ecosystem and prevent deforestation. The relevant authorities should establish a robust monitoring system to ensure compliance with the laws. Strict penalties and legal consequences should be enforced for any violations to discourage people from encroaching on grazing lands.
Mukesh Raja
Tharparkar
Published in The Express Tribune, June 29th, 2023.
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