The last two decades have seen over 13 spells of drought that were officially acknowledged by the government. Locals claim that the number is 16.
Such is the importance of water that almost 40 per cent of people in Thar abandon it and migrate to the barrage areas during such droughts. They lock their houses, leaving their few belongings inside and travel along with their livestock in search of sustenance.
The latest drought spell, which has persisted for the last three years, is one of the worst in the region's recent history. As far as locals remember, such conditions were only experienced in the 1999-2000 drought, which had claimed even more lives.
So what makes water the most precious source in a region that is otherwise so rich in natural resources? "When it rains, the desert becomes a carpet of green. It's like a new life has been blown into it," says Haresh, a resident of Mithi. Various kinds of vegetables grow in the desert. The animals have plenty to drink and are therefore able to produce more milk. The people get more to eat as well as plenty of fresh water to drink. Ultimately, water is the key to prosperity for Thar.
Local MPA, Khatumal Jeevan, who has taken oath as a minister for the seventh time, seems to agree. "The government is inaugurating various projects and schemes to provide water to the region." Dr Jeevan explains that they are building six to seven small dams in the region. The water will be provided through tributaries to the villages for irrigation purposes.
The myth of RO plants
Another proposal is to install more reverse-osmosis (RO) plants. Currently, the number of RO plants stands at 67. Only half of these are functional. By December 27, up to 315 more will be inaugurated, he reveals, adding that the non-functional ones will also begin to operate. "The plan is to install 700 RO plants in total.," he says. Has the government found a solution to the problem then?
At UC headquarter Bukhu, this seems unlikely. The RO plant here is functional and there are little boys filling water cans from the large underground well where the purified water is stored. This particular plant was inaugurated around three months ago. The initial cost of setting up the plant was approximately Rs20 million. The operational costs, however, are the real killer. The generator, on which the plant runs, consumes approximately 40 to 50 litres of diesel per day. It gives an output of 2,000 litres of water, explains Rasheed, a local mechanic who was given a one-day training session on how to operate the technology and is now its chief operator.
The operational costs could be cut considerably if the government provided power for the plant from the electric gridline that is passing right next to it, he says.
Despite it being free of cost, however, locals prefer not to drink it. "It causes diarrhoea and vomiting, especially among children," says a primary schoolteacher, Timomal, from village Bhukwa located around 16 kilometres from the plant. The children who gather around him nod their heads in agreement.
"I had diarrhoea for a week after I drank this water," shouts 11-year-old Vikram. He prefers to get his water from the conventional underground well that is located just behind the plant. "This water is much sweeter than the one from the RO plant," he claims. True enough, on inspection of the well, a group of women were pulling their pots of water from the conventional well.
It is difficult to ascertain if the locals' complaints are unfounded or otherwise. When The Express Tribune tasted the water from the RO plant, it was definitely better than that in other villages. There was no consequent diarrhoea either, I promise. Maybe, the government could educate the people on the benefits and purity of this water. Or maybe not. Who knows how long the RO plants will remain functional this time.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 25th, 2014.
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