LAHORE: The Cholistan Development Authority (CDA) on Thursday sought additional resources to tackle escalating water scarcity in Bahawalpur district.

The CDA requested more water bowsers, jerry cans, and financial support to address the drought-like conditions caused by significantly reduced rainfall, said a senior official on condition of anonymity.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) held a meeting to discuss water scarcity due to less than normal rainfall this year.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia chaired the meeting and officers from Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Local Government and Community Development, Cooperative Department, Dep­a­r­tment of Industries and Commerce and Housing and Urban Development attended it.

Wasa and PHA officers across the province attended the meeting through a video link. A detailed briefing was giv­en to departments concer­ned on the possible effects of drought.

The official said the CDA had complained about the shortage of resources to address water scarcity issue in Cholistan as water had already vanished in reservoirs there.

He said that officials demanded more water bowsers and vehicles for transportation of water to affected areas of Bahawalpur.

The CDA officials also dema­n­ded funds for addressing the water scarcity issue because the existing funds were insufficient to carry out the routine work.

PDMA DG Kathia directed provision of six more bowsers to the CDA. Two of the water bowsers had a 12,500-litre capacity and four with 5,500-litre water carrying capacity. The PDMA also provided more than 1,000 jerry cans to prevent possible drought in Cholistan.

He also directed CDA officials to write letters seeking more funds to address the issue.

Earlier, 10 water bowsers and 1,000 jerry cans were dispatched from Muzaffargarh warehouse to respective districts during last month.

The PDMA DG also instr­ucted Wasa officials to take mea­sures for water conservation.

Mr Kathia said that all the relevant departments should be put on alert. There has been 38 percent less rainfall in Pun­jab over the last four months.

He said that the water level in Mangla and Tarbela dams is at a very low level and orders of the Water Commission will be implemented to address potential water shortages.

He further said that the temperature across the country is 2 to 3 degrees Celsius higher than normal.

He said that all arrangements should be completed in advance to deal with potential drought and farmers will be informed about the expected water shortage.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2025