Murad Ali Shah puts safe drinking water at the heart of the government’s emergency response, stressing that residents of affected areas cannot afford further delays in access to clean water
MM Report
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has decided to declare Tharparkar a calamity-hit district following severe drought conditions that have damaged between 85 and 90 per cent of crops across the desert region.
Presiding over a meeting to review the situation, the chief minister directed the relevant departments to take immediate measures to ensure drinking water supplies, restore damaged water facilities, protect livestock and provide relief to families affected by the drought.
The meeting was informed that all seven talukas of Tharparkar were facing drought-like conditions, raising concerns about the availability of water, the survival of livestock and the livelihoods of local communities. The extensive damage to crops had further increased the difficulties faced by residents, many of whom depend on agriculture and livestock for their income.
Murad Ali Shah stressed that providing safe drinking water to people in the affected areas must remain the government’s immediate priority. He directed the authorities to restore all existing water supply sources without delay and ensure that communities did not face further difficulties in accessing drinking water.
He also called for urgent restoration of reverse osmosis (RO) plants across the district to improve access to clean drinking water. The relevant departments were instructed to take practical steps to ensure that existing facilities became operational and continued supplying water to local communities.
The chief minister also directed officials to explore a long-term water supply arrangement from Nagarparkar to Mithi. He said the proposed water supply line from Naukot to Mithi should also be examined as part of efforts to address the region’s recurring water shortages.
Emphasizing the importance of livestock protection, Shah said the government would have to take measures to support animals affected by the drought. Livestock remained a major source of livelihood for families in Tharparkar, making its protection essential during the prolonged dry spell. He said providing relief to affected households, safeguarding livestock and ensuring drinking water supplies were the government’s foremost responsibilities. He assured that the provincial administration stood with the people of Tharparkar and would take necessary steps to address their difficulties.
