SANGHAR: Despite being promised Rs10 million as urgent relief for the drought-affected residents of Achro Thar over a year ago, the district government has not yet received the funds promised by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah.

Achhro Thar, a stretch of desert falling in Sanghar district, has been facing severe drought for the past four years. The continuous streak of dry weather has severely affected life of the common man, with livestock either dying or falling prey to various diseases due to lack of fodder and water.

The dry spell has led to a serious human crisis, warranting immediate notice and urgent measures by the authorities and departments concerned.

The CM, in the presence of his cabinet, had announced Rs10 million for relief and the setting up of maternity homes, schools, hospitals, RO plants, construction of over 400 roads and some development schemes. He also promised that his government would provide wheat free of cost.

After a lapse of more than a year, nothing has been done to fulfil the promises of the CM.

Malnutrition has led to the undervaluing of the livestock, and villagers have demanded that the government provide them with fodder for their livestock, which is the chief source of their survival.

Deputy Commissioner Sanghar Sikandar Ali Khushk, when contacted, confirmed that the district administration had not yet received the pledged amount of Rs10 million. He said that the provincial government had asked them for the requisition of the development schemes in Achhro Thar for the budget.

He added that the district administration had distributed wheat among the Achhro Thar population five times during the previous year.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2015

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