THE first week of July has passed but there are still no signs of rain in Thar. Moreover, the Pakistan Meteorology Department has previously predicted non-uniform rains in different parts of the country with less rainfall expected in Sindh and Balochistan. The monsoon rains have already started in the northern parts of the country. On the other hand, Thar is still in the grip of intense monsoon winds, which probably indicates delayed and scanty rains in this arid zone.

Only occasional or mild rains are not sufficient to provide livelihood to the people and their livestock in Thar.

Continued and regular rains at suitable intervals for at least three months are needed for their full impact on the cultivation of the lands and production of sufficient grass to sustain the livestock for the whole year.

The Sindh and Federal governments need to take note of the imminent danger of drought in Thar and take pre-emptive measures to decrease the miseries of Thari people during the coming months.

Muhammed Mubarak
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 25th , 2014