MITHI: Most of the other­wise drought-hit Thar­par­kar region has started tur­ning green due to back to back spells of rainfall since June.

The desert region had been faced with a terrible drought over the past few years but a few spells of unexpected downpour — tho­ugh insufficient — in June and July rekindled Tharis’ hope for a long wet monsoon this year.

Green pastures had already started emerging in Chachhro and Nagarparkar areas following the mid-year downpours but with the ong­oing widespread rains in Sindh, hundreds of Tharis who had to migrate to other areas due to drought started returning to their abodes along with their bullocks and cattle.

Nagarparkar, Chhachhro and Islamkot talukas have been witnessing return of Thari families as the areas had almost entirely turned green.

Also the return of Thar’s natural beauty is attracting thousands of tourists and picnickers from other districts. Their flow increased during the Eidul Azha days as countrymen enjoyed almost a week-long holidays this time.

Joyous Tharis are seen ploughing their lands to cultivate traditional crops while their animals are getting sufficient water and fodder. However, more rainfall is needed before an end to the monsoon to see the entire region green and liveable for its inhabitants.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2019