People of Thar and Sever Water Scarcity – Daily Notable
By Rahib Ali Rind
Water scarcity is a daunting challenge for the people of Thar. The largest desert of Pakistan is located in the south-east. It’s population is nearly 1.6 million, with the lowest Human Development Index(HDI) in Sindh province. Similarly, they face not only water scarcity but also food shortage, energy crisis, agricultural backwardness and inadequate infrastructure as well.
Unfortunately, they are in the midst of all evils, crises, and issues. They travel 4-5 km for the sake of gaining water from underground and wells for drinking and domestic purposes.
It is an alarming stage. Water is an essential element for the survival for living organisms, for the agriculture purpose and also for the production of electricity. Consequently, the government is paying no attention to this unbridled growth of this crisis.
Responsible factors behind this issue
In the same way, lack of reservoirs, political instability, mismanagement of precious natural resources, disunity among Thari people, low rainfall, overpopulation and over consumption are the major culprits in this regard. Rainfall is limited there that’s why Thar is running dry by leaps and bounds.
Because Only Together We Can
Moreover, political instability is the root cause of this disease. Political tensions between the provincial and federal governments further worsened the situation. It seems pertinent here to cite from the example of Rainee Canal Project which completed it’s first phase in 2014. Afterwards, the work of this project halted on account of funding dispute between the provincial and federal states. So, it can be said that due to political tensions, Thar has touched the lowest ebb of destruction.
People are unable to get a quality education. There is abject poverty and instability. As a result, The standard of their lives are going down.
Consequences
As a result, there is huge difference between demand and supply of different necessities of life. Fortunately, the Thar is blessed with precious natural resources but improper use of these resources further aggravate the situation. Without doubt of an iota, resources are scarce and efficient use of these resources should adapted so that these can bring happiness to human beings.
Moreover, they deprived of basic rights due to certain reasons. Resources of the Thar has mainly depended upon rainfalls. Rainfalls considered to be backbone of Thar’s prosperity and bring happiness among people. So, agriculture production is in direct relationship with rainfall.
How to tackle this issue out?
The government should make long term as well as short term plans for curtailing water crisis by introducing new dams and reservoirs.
In the short term, most of the dams are under construction, so, that should have accomplished as soon as possible. Besides that, in the long term, the state should introduce new small dams for the utter of water shortage.
Currently, experts say the construction of a canal is possible and would be a welcome step in addressing the plight of the Thari people. The infighting and apathy from political parties make its realisation difficult.
In the same fashion, disunity among thari people are backbone of their destruction. This archaic character has preyed them to deprivations of basic rights. Appropriately, the people must take an effective role to bring unity in one another and become strong nation.
Thari Women made a record
Thari women have made a record with their excellent turnout in the 2018 general elections and emerged as those with the highest voter turnout ratios across Pakistan in the past history. The rain-dependent region of Thar has 574,333 registered voters among them 254,522 women voters in 2018.
Hence, it can be said that indigenous Thari leader can bring happiness very rapidly after paying heed over curbing social crises.
Likewise, the state must ponder over sufficient use of natural resources. It can build economically strong and great region. Resultantly, they can touch the highest peak of prosperity.
Note (Blogs And Opinions)
The views expressed by the Guest Writer do not necessarily reflect those of the Newspaper Daily Notable, www.thedailynotable.com
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