BAHAWALPUR: The Cholistan region around Derawar Fort, located about 70 kilometres from Bahawalpur, received heavy rainfall for the second time within a week.

Reports said the torrential rain filled numerous natural ponds (locally known as tobas) across the vast desert, raising hopes for the return of previously migrated Cholistanis to their ancestral area.

Last week’s rainfall was relatively light, but this recent downpour was heavier. Officials from the Cholistan Development Authority (CDA) and the Forest Department confirmed that the rainfall not only replenished water in multiple tobas but also created large pools in the open hard plains locally known as dahars near Derawar Fort.

These dahars, which span hundreds of acres, are popular among young car enthusiasts for drifting activities during dry spells. However, it is a rare phenomenon for these hard plains to become submerged, especially in the ongoing harsh weather. The rainwater is expected to remain stagnant for days, if not weeks, due to the nature of the terrain.

The accumulated water attracted various species of wetland birds. Officials expressed optimism that the rainwater would lead to the growth of green grass, bushes, and shrubs, transforming the arid plains into lush meadows providing natural fodder for livestock.

The CDA officials also breathed a sigh of relief, as the rainfall is expected to temporarily reduce the need for daily water transportation by tankers and bowsers to far-flung areas.

Local residents believe that the water stored in the tobas may last for several months, sustaining both humans and animals. By then, they hope that weather conditions will further improve, making life in the desert more bearable.

JAIL TERM: Lodhran Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Ayyaz handed down life imprisonment and a fine of Rs1 million each to two drug traffickers.

The court also ordered that convicts Muhammad Abbas and Muhammad Tariq would further undergo simple imprisonment of six months each if they failed to pay the fine.

According to the prosecution, Lodhran City police on June 20, 2022, recovered eight maund of charas from hidden cavities in the cabin of their oil tanker.

SUSPENDED: The Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) has suspended SDO Saqib Nawaz of Kot Chatha sub-division in DG Khan district on charges of dereliction of duty and poor performance.

According to a press release issued on Tuesday, the SDO had been ordered to immediately report to Mepco headquarters.

It said departmental action had been initiated against the SDO under Wapda Employees E&D rules.

Meanwhile, Mepco announced the selection of five executive engineers for their 151st middle management course at Wapda administrative staff college, Islamabad.

The course will be conducted from July 9 to Sept 5.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2025