A drought in Cholistan desert has worsened due to low rainfall and canal water flow. Most of the pastures in the area have become uninhabitable, forcing a large number of local people to migrate to other areas along with their cattle.
Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz ordered a crackdown on pilferage of canal water while chairing an emergency meeting to deal with the prevailing water shortage in South Punjab, specially Bahawalpur and Cholistan.
The irrigation secretary briefed the participants about the inflow and outflow of water in rivers and canals.
The CM directed the officials concerned to start relief operations on a war-footing basis and asked the administration and his political team to supervise relief activities in the affected areas.
He said temporary ponds should be created and water should immediately arranged through bowsers in remote areas.
He vowed to support the affected people. The situation was being monitored continuously and instructions had been issued for regular monitoring of relief activities in affected areas, he said. Every possible support would be extended to the areas facing water scarcity, he said.
The CM also issued instructions for estimating the damage in affected areas and submission of a report in this regard.
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Ordering crackdown against theft of canal water, he said cases should be registered against those involved in water theft without succumbing to pressure.
MPAs Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari and Yawar Zaman, the chief secretary, inspector general of police, agriculture secretary and other officials attended the meeting. According to local people, the water level in tube wells has dropped due lack of rainfall.
The canals that irrigate the regions around Cholistan have also dried up due to reduced water storage in the dams. Most of the irrigation channels in the area are inoperative.
Crops and wild bushes have begun to dry up in most of the area of Cholistan, pastures have become barren and greenery has vanished.
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A number of animals have died in various parts of the desert area because of thirst.
The effects of lack of rain have been aggravated because of persisting hot weather, forcing local inhabitants to migrate to settled areas to save their lives. The drought has also jeopardised the lives of animals in the area.
Ponds in the area have dried up because of the drought, endangering the lives of people and animals dependent on them.
Crops growing on hundreds of acres on land in areas adjoining Cholistan have been damaged and several populated localities have turned desolate. The reduction in water supply through irrigation channels has aggravated the crisis.
Rainwater is the major water source for the estimated 200,000 people and more than 1.6 million animals living in the desert.
A local political leader said while speaking to The Express Tribune that the government should declare Cholistan a disaster-hit region and take steps to provide relief to the inhabitants. He said water a supply system should be installed in Cholistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 12th, 2022.
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