Forever parched

The people of Thar have been deprived of potable water since forever. Barring a few localities, drinkable water is unavailable throughout the region. And wherever it is available, getting it is an everyday painstaking struggle for survival. Women leave their homes daily, at some places walking several miles in the quest for water. Since there is no machinery to draw water from deep wells, they do it with hands. In this bizarre way Tharis ensure survival for themselves and their cattle.
Those in power have never shied away from making lofty promises and claims of changing the fate of the people of Thar. Installation of a few water purification plants, of which very few are functional, has done no good to them. Even in such deplorable conditions public representatives’ show of contentment with ‘doing much’ for the region is wonderful. We the hapless people of Thar demand neither sound health facilities nor qualitative education, which are the prerogative of those living in mega cities. What we rightfully look to the government for is one vital commodity: water.
Ilam ul Din Rahimoon
Karachi