THE Chotiari reservoir in the Sanghar district is the only source of cultivation for barren lands in the Thar desert. This reservoir was built for the cultivation of barren lands in Umerkot and Tharparkar districts, as well as for providing potable water to drought-hit Tharis.

The project was said to benefit local agriculturists; instead it has destroyed thousands of acres of land because of water seepage. Over 100,000 acres are producing less than 50pc of crops.

This has increased poverty and malnutrition and devastated local business, including dairy farming. Animals, including buffaloes, cows and goats are being destroyed because of standing water surrounding the areas of the reservoir.

About 127 landowners have not yet been compensated whose lands were flooded during the reservoir construction, and now legal proceedings are ongoing.

Two union councils of Sanghar — Shah Sikandarabad and Chotiari — are 90pc affected by seepage of saltish water, while 40pc of the Shah Sikandarabad union council is under water.

Before the construction of the dam the area was famous for wildlife. Moreover, 100pc of seasonal crops, including cotton, wheat, mango, lemon , guava, chili, vegetables and banana orchards, have now been affected. According to the Chotiari Resettlement Agency, there are 594 affected families.In fact, there are 993 families directly affected by the construction of the Chotiari reservoir.

Berlin University of Technology has conducted research on the Chotiari reservoir, and recommended environment impact assessment. It needs political will and institutional capacity to take action against violators of EIA.

Ubaid Narejo
Sanghar

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2016