BAHAWALPUR, Aug 7: Cholistan has received record rain during the past five days, which will improve living conditions for the area residents.

Dawn has learnt that the desert, sharing boundaries with three districts -- Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahimyarkhan – has been receiving heavy rain since last Friday.

According to sources from the desert areas, Cholistan has not received such heavy rain at least during the last three years.

The rainwater has reportedly filled ponds, locally known as toba, which are considered lifeline for human as well as livestock population in the area. These ponds had dried up during the harsh summer, forcing most of the local population to migrate to the nearby settled areas along with their cattle. The lack of rain had created drought-like conditions, resulting in acute fodder shortage in the area.

The recent rain will help growth of greenery in the desert which will provide fodder for the cattle, improving their health and resulting in increase in meat and milk production.