MIRPURKHAS, Feb 3: Agricultural produce and business activities in Mirpurkhas District have been adversely affected due to the drought-like situation in the district.

The district — which comprises Mirpurkhas Taluka, Digri, Kot Ghulam Mohammad, Samaro, Kunri, Umerkot, and Pithoro Taluka — is facing an acute shortage of water since the last few years as a result of which the agricultural produce has decreased.

Thousands of peasants have been left unemployed, thereby directly affecting nearly every household of the district.

Unfortunately, the peasants and growers have been deprived of their livelihood due to the continuous acute shortage of water.

The markets, bazaars, and business centres wore a deserted look as few customers turned up.

Major crops have been damaged due to the non-availability of water in the canals.

Some of the peasants after being unemployed went into the business of preparing hand-made liquor.

DESILTING: The Taluka Nazim, Mirpurkhas, Syed Inayat Ali Shah has directed the authorities concerned to complete the desilting work of the Jamrao canal without any delay and provide water to the city by Feb 5.

He was speaking at a meeting held here on Saturday to resolve the water crisis.

He said the citizens were facing great hardships due to the acute shortage of water and there was an urgent need to complete the desilting work of the Jamrao canal so that water could be supplied to the citizens.