RAHIM YAR KHAN: Various areas of Cholistan (Rohi) have started facing a shortage of potable water with the start of the summer.

The residents of the localities of Cholistan falling in Khanpur and Liaqatpur tehsils are getting potable water from Kallarwala Khoh (KWK), a small locality 70km from the district headquarters.

A resident of KWK told Dawn by mobile phone that residents of Bachuwala Toba, 30km from KWK, Mehrab Chowk, 22km from KWK, Jeewanwala Toba (18km), Gandanwala Toba (17km) and Nooranwala Toba (13km) have to travel to the KWK on their camels with plastic drums for transporting water.

He says there is an old well at KWK whose water level has also decreased. He says the water of the well is salty but the residents of Cholistan have no other choice.

He claims the Cholistan Development Authority (CDA) had made arrangements to provide water by tankers and store it at different localities but these arrangements were taken back after 15 days though the residents had paid transportation charges.

A CDA official, requesting anonymity, says it is true that the supply of potable water from different turbines has been suspended because the CDA is facing a shortage of diesel.

He says Unicef had provided the equipment through the Public Health Department but after the flood all of them were taken back. Solar system was also installed at Islamgarh, KWK, Bhai Khan Khoh for the storage of water by the CDA through funding by the Punjab Livestock Department, the official adds.

CDA Managing Director Rana Saleem did not reply to the call made for his version.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2021