Mubarak Ali Baloch
Tharparkar, district headquartered at Mithi with 1.3 million population is administratively divided into six subdivisions. Its 19,368 square mile area is having a unique landscape with vast expanse of desert having high rising sand-hills dotted with bushes, dwarf herbs and shrubs, climbers and creepers. It houses Karoonjar mountain in Nagarparkar Tehsil beautifully studded with precious granite stone which is now being vandalized by the influential people in area for monetary reasons. Umar – Marvi tale with deep touch of romance sung in folk songs and narrated in folklore has its origin from Tharparkar. Flocks of peacock and herds of the deer were once hallmark of the area. Peacock has almost perished due to some widespread epidemic thanks to inaction of livestock department whereas deer have been poached and have become extinct. This vast desert is seen beautifully speckled with small hamlets having cone-shaped Chonnarras (houses) topped with straw made thatched roof allowing ventilation. From the large expanse of desert comes the nocturnal howl of wild life like jackals, foxes etc beautifully tearing through the desert silence. Mid-night breeze sweeping over the sand hills hisses pass through the drooping leaves of bushes giving a gentle feeling.
Tharparkar whose landscape and scenic beauty takes one closer to nature is unfortunately in throes. Due to continual changing weather pattern there has been no rainfall for the last several years. Severe dry spell has wreaked havoc with Thar’s livestock. Carcasses are seen lying hither and thither and the hapless Thari is often seen looking at the skeletons of his cattle and descends in abyss of despondence. Once merrily jumping lively herds of goats are now dying every here and there due to acute shortage of fodder. “Roar of this frail and starving camel in the wilderness of Tharparkar is the call to callous administration for succor”, says Vashu Kohli resident of Chachro while holding the rein of camel in his hand. ‘New Castle Disease’ commonly known as Ranikhet, a contagious disease in peacocks has almost wiped out the fowl in area. Mothers are unable to properly feed their children. Multiple ailments due to lack of nutrition have raised ugly heads which have gradually taken a heavy toll on the children. Peoples’ privation is not finding sufficient space in media either. Tharparkar which invariably wears the beautiful robe of greenery after rain shower attracting people from urban pockets is now barren desert with hot winds blowing sand into the face of Thari. The hapless Thari is often seen peeping into the fast-drying water well having unending depth and hopelessly turns back to his home with an empty earthen jar on head. The calamitous situation has made life miserable in Thar.
On 21 March 2016, on the orders of Chief Justice of Sindh High Court a four member Inquiry Commission was set up to fix the responsibility on the departments at fault allowing the famine like crisis to worsen. Commission in its report has rejected all tall claims of government with regard to alleviative measures in Tharparkar. Commission in its report asked government for declaring Tharparkar as a calamity hit district. Further demanded of government to post sufficient number of doctors, and transfer hard-working and honest officers in administrative slots to take significant steps so that the situation is improved. Commission in its report has noted that departments like agriculture, health, irrigation, live stock, social welfare etc have performed a very poor role and the situation spiraled out of control leading to the verge of human catastrophe. It further recommended that either Raenee Canal or Makhi First Canal may be extended to convey water in Tharparkar. International donors, and NGOs may be asked to play their role so that the aggravating famine like situation is properly tackled. The major reason of starvation is non-availability of water has been cited. Government has installed RO (Reverse Osmosis) plants and thought that with this the water problem has been resolved. This is government’s sheer complacency, commission remarked in report. Child mortality has also been under-reported by the government, as has been highlighted in findings of the commission report.
There is no denying the fact that the continuous dry spell cannot be reserved but government should have ensured potable water supply in desert district and fodder for the cattle should have been provided. This would have been important succor for the population. Media reports and public criticism recently forced chief executive of province to spare some time and address the issue. He visited Tharparkar few weeks back along with party chairman Bilawal Zardari Bhutto. Usual promises and consolations were made. Subsequently, some quantity of wheat was distributed amongst people but about 2000 wheat bags are still lying in godowns in Tehsils Dhahli and Chachro. Sometime back Tehsildars, Assistant Tehsildars, and Patwaris were found involved in embezzlement of wheat. Anti-corruption police arrested them but all are presently on bail. Wheat required to have been distributed in fifteen thousand poor families is still lying in godowns and getting spoilt. This would ultimately stand unfit for human consumption.
Tharis don’t have extensive metalled road infrastructure. Though cellular phone companies signals in some parts of the desert have made their telephonic contact easy and comfortable. Nevertheless the land of famous folk singers Mai Bhaee (late), and Saddiq Faqeer (late) is in serious trouble. Tharis’ life is haunted by grinding poverty. Grazing grounds for cattle are fast-dwindling as water table has receded. Bulk of poor Tharis’ live-stock has died due to dwindling green grazing fields. Natural disasters need to be handled in a way so that human sufferings are minimized. Administration must expedite the distribution of wheat stock lying in godowns. Tehsildars and Patwaris may be appointed afresh with view to ensure honest distribution of the ration. Otherwise Tharparkar would keep on experiencing the excruciating pain of starvation. Drought has certainly adversely affected the life in Thar but governmental apathy aggravated the situation and proved more damaging than the drought itself. A recent revelation that Sindh government has spent Rs10.3bn in Tharparkar over the past three years stands belied in the face of misery the population is facing.
