limate change is a global problem. A lot of initiatives are being taken globally to fight this crisis. Unfortunately, the rising global population frequently opts for products that are harmful for the environment.

It is because of the change in climate that rain patterns are changing in many countries. We have a drought-like situation even in areas that used to have ample water throughout the year.

In Pakistan, we have several large deserts. Cholistan is a desert in southern Punjab. Cholistan, locally known as rohi (a land of rolling sand dunes) is famous for its livestock. Cattle of various breeds are a common sight in the area. It is believed that in Cholistan when someone knocks at the door for a glass of water, he/ she is offered milk instead because milk is available more easily than safe water.

Cholistan was a fertile area for centuries that attracted the caravans passing through the region. Some of the forts built by the traders or others are still standing tall.

Cholistan is facing a severe drought these days. Cattles and humans are struggling due to non-availability of water and green fodder for cattle has become rare. A lot of animals have died as a result. Many people have migrated to places like Bahawalpur or Multan. However this option is not available to everyone.

Cholistan benefits from both rain water and water coming to the region from the Himalayas. Traditional tobas are used to store water. Cholistan has approximately 1,800 tobas of various capacities (3 to 18 cubic feet).

Yaseen Gurgujee, a resident of Cholistan, says that when there is rain in Cholistan, the area becomes a vibrant place and people from the adjoining areas visit the rohi with their cattle. Some of the nomadic shepherds have herd as large as consisting of 500 cattle.

The rainy season visitors bring onions and potatoes with them for their daily consumption. Milk and bread are the staple food in the area. Yaseen says a drought hits the area once every ten years. He says the local government should take appropriate steps to help the poor in such circumstances.

He is also concerned about the cattle. In the past, he says, veterinary doctors would regularly visit the area but this is not happening these days. Yaseen says the government should clean the existing tobas and repair those that have become unusable. He says small lines ponds should be made at places where animal usually go for grazing. These ponds should be filled with piped water so that the animals can drink from these.

Cholistan is dependent on both rain water and water coming to the region from the Himalayas. Traditional tobas are used to store rain water. Cholistan has approximately 1,800 tobas of various storage capacities. 

Some voluntary organisations are making efforts to mitigate the sufferings of the people in Cholistan. The residents say that underground water is not fit for consumption. The only solution they can imagine is to increase the water storage capacity in the area.

Most of the relief activities are limited to the fringes of Cholistan. Venturing deeper into the desert is only possible using four-wheel drive vehicles. Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) has been working in this area with Rescue 1122. They have so far provided 18,000 litres of filtered drinking water. The SAF has also provided fuel for the Rescue 1122 trucks carrying 20,000 gallons of water, first aid and nutritional food into the rohi.

Talking about the utility of the tobas, Faiza Khalil, a representative of the SAF says the tobas have lost most of their utility. “The water in the tobas evaporates, sinks and gets infected. Use of this water has an adverse impact on humans and animals. It is a major cause of various ailments. We are looking to provide an effective and sustainable solution for the community.”

Indus Earth Trust carried out a plan in the Kohistan area of Sindh to increase the water storage capacity a few years ago. The project focused on water replenishment through rainwater harvesting and rehabilitation of dug wells by brick-lining, capping and installation of hand pumps and construction of check dams for agriculture.

Training local women in health and hygiene is an integral part of the project. It envisages lessening the burden of water carrying by women, by making it more accessible to them. As part of this project, four check dams were built, 20 dug wells were rehabilitated and 28 rainwater reservoirs were built. This project has had a positive impact on the local people and some who had been planning to migrate have decided to stay in their native area. A similar project can help water starved people of Cholistan as well.

The government of Punjab should get in touch with such organisations and work dedicatedly to find a permanent solution to overcome water scarcity in Cholistan.

Cholistan has been a hub of cattle raising in Pakistan. If care is not taken the economy may be damaged beyond repair.

Despite its vast fertile lands and the large agricultural work force the country has had to import wheat recently. If remedial measures are not taken, the agriculture will deteriorate further. That, in turn, will increase the country’s reliance on imports.

As climate change continues apace, the country might face more droughts. The underground water is becoming increasingly unsuitable for use. It is highly important therefore that all stakeholders agree on a long-term solution to enhance the water storage capacities in the country to sustain our people, agriculture, land and livestock.

The writer is based in Karachi. He can be reached at kzk1972@gmail.com