MITHI, Aug 21: Situated in the south-east of Sindh, the Thar desert has been blessed this year with heavy monsoon rain which has turned the entire area into a refreshing green landscape.

A large number of tourists from different parts of the province are strolling along the beauty of green dunes and plains.

There was a drought-like situation in the desert district for the last two years and its inhabitants were facing immense hardship.

Tourists arriving here by private vehicles have reportedly been encountering lodging and boarding facilities as the district does not have quality rest-houses and hotels.

The tourists are also visiting historical places like Naukot fort, Gadhi (a huge sandy dune in the west of Mithi town), Islamkot museum, Marvi Jo Khooh near Bhalwa, Gori temple, Virawah, Bodesaar mosque, Karoonjher mountain, Jain temples, Sardaro, Chandan Gadh, Anchleshwer and Rana Tarai near Chelhar.

Life in Thar entirely depends on rains in the summer from June to September.

Two to three rainfalls of 150 to 200mm are required for maturity of crops.

The chief source of income of Tharis is rain-fed agriculture and livestock.

The rain, which started from July 16, has not ended yet and wrecked considerable havoc in terms of houses, crops and cattle.

Information gathered by Dawn revealed that so far Mithi, Diplo, Nagarparkar and Chhachhro talukas have received 346mm, 503mm, 499mm and 174mm rain, respectively.

A revenue official said that they had not received any report of loss of life caused by rains except three deaths in rain-related incidents.

Taluka mukhtiarkars have been directed to conduct survey in this regard.

Many fields with clay layers, particularly in the Diplo taluka, which were cultivated in the second week of July, have been filled with rainwater for last couple of days hence seed has gone waste and they are to be ploughed again when they get dry.

Torrential rains have also caused large-scale damage to government buildings, offices, schools and hospitals.

UC Diplo Nazim Allah Warayo Bajir called for prompt measures for anti-mosquito spray.

UC Nazim Subhan Sodho said the district remained in the grip of severe drought for two years and authorities should take appropriate remedial measures.

Another worth worrying fact is that cases of snakebite are also increasing after rains.

About 20 snakebite patients have been admitted to different hospitals in the last two days.