I would advise NGOs in Sindh to also teach more modern methods of providing water to residents such as drilling.
DADU: According to reports, three men recently died while digging a deep well funded by a local NGO in the Nagarparkar area of Tharparkar district. We see motorcycles and cars being driven in wooden wells called maut ka kuaan at fairs as well.
However, Thar is a place where the wells continue to be the source of life, as well as death. Deep wells are often the only source of water for many residents of the region. But digging, cleaning and extracting water from these wells is an extremely arduous and hazardous exercise. During digging there is not only the risk of exposure to dangerous gases but also of the mound caving in above the digger. Once a well has been dug, two donkeys or a camel is used to drag the bucket of the water and not every household in Thar can afford to have such animals. It is most unfortunate that in this day and age the people of Thar still rely on such primitive methods to procure the most vital of resources, water.
I would advise NGOs in Sindh to also teach more modern methods of providing water to residents such as drilling which is far quicker and less risky.
Gulsher Panhwer
Published in The Express Tribune, August 2nd, 2014.
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