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Updated 24 Jul, 2017 04:34pm

Life returns to Thar after heavy spells of rain

Hanif Samoon

The arid desert of Thar has so far received three spells of moderate to heavy rainfalls, bringing some relief to the rain-deprived desert.

Many locals who were forced to migrate due to the long drought have started returning to their homes after rain in Nangarparkar, Mithi, Islamkot and other parts of Thar. The rain has brought back greenery to the desert.

The Tharis have started cultivating traditional crops and are preparing their land for growing crops following the rain.

Lush green shrubs and wild grass have covered hills, plains and desert area in the wake of widespread torrential rains across Thar region.

Innumerable big and small streams have started flowing downhill towards dams and Rann of Kachh which have added to the natural beauty of the desert.

Tharis, who rejoiced at the heavy rainfall that came after a long dry spell this year, have thronged various picnic points of the desert region to enjoy the pleasant weather and captivating natural beauty unveiled by the continuous downpour.

Huge crowds of tourists are also visiting the hills of Karoonjhar, Jain temples, Gaddi Bhit in Mithi town and other places of the desert to enjoy the breathtaking beauty following the rain.

Small ponds alongside hills have formed after heavy downpour.

Crops and livestock are the mainstays of the economy of Tharis.

Environmentalist Noor Ahmed Janjhi says that Thar still needed three or four spells of good rainfalls with the intervals of 10 to 15 days for getting crop yield and fodder for the livestock.

The people of Thar hope the current spell of rain will continue for some days to let the land soak up water and store it for the weeks and months to come.

— Pictures by Hanif Samoon and Raja Shad.

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