Thal sizzles in extreme heat, low voltage
Noorpur Thal Tehsil is currently in the grip of extreme heat and a low supply of electricity. The rising temperature has become a nightmare for the citizens, with people, animals, and birds looking for shade to escape the severe hot weather. The temperature on Wednesday was recorded at 46°C. Additionally, 100% of Noorpur Thal’s agricultural area is sandy with few shady trees, a byproduct of the lack of canals in the area.
The city's bazaars and streets remain deserted due to the extreme heat. The heat has made it impossible for local farmers to grow fodder for their animals, due to lack of water and because fodder burns in such high temperatures. This is causing major problems for farmers, who are struggling to save their lives as well as those of their animals.
FESCO has also increased the difficulties of the citizens. There is only one grid station for the population of over 400,000 people in the entire tehsil, which is unable to meet demands. The voltage of power falls between 80/90, due to which neither the electric fans nor the water motors can run. Locals are suffering from water scarcity, while many businesses have come to a standstill.
Anjuman-e-Sarafa Association Vice President Haji Mohammad Ashraf and Mohammad Shoaib Malik said that citizens pay expensive electricity bills on time, but no relief is being provided by WAPDA to those suffering from extreme heat.
Residents of the area have demanded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Federal Electricity Department take immediate steps to save the citizens from the aforementioned problems.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2022.