MITHI, Aug 17: Taking cognizance of the fact, that due to no monsoon rains, there is a drought like situation in the Thar, the district administration has demanded of the Sindh government to declare the entire Tharparkar district, except seven irrigated dehs, as calamity-affected area and to initiate relief measures.

Responding to a report, furnished by the Executive District Officer (revenue), Tharparkar, regarding the emerging drought conditions, the District Coordination Officer, Pir Abdul Haq Jan Sarhandi, in a letter to the senior member/relief commissioner, the Board of Revenue, Sindh, stated that Thar had received no rain fall up to August 15, consequently the district was facing a threat of drought.

The DCO pointed out that the monsoon rains were expected, from June 15 to Sept 15 and at least three showers were required with the interval of two to three weeks, for the maturity of crops and fodder.

The DCO urged the authorities to declare the entire district Tharparkar, which comprised 159 dehs, as calamity-hit, except the seven irrigated dehs of Mithi and Diplo talukas.

Keeping in view the emerging drought, the DCO demanded of the government to initiate relief measures for the next ten months, including provision of wheat at subsidised rate, postponement of recovery of government dues till the next Kharif crop, remission in land revenue and other taxes, provision of fodder for the animals.