Water shortage, devastation of Thatta

Article: By Rizwan Ali Brohi


Thatta is the tail-end area of Sindh and ongoing water issue has made residents restless. Millions of people from urban and rural communities are in sake of compassion for single drop of water. The acute shortage of water in Sindh, mainly in Thatta has made people to suffer and the city has lost its beauty due to drastic effects caused by water shortage.

Since last few decades, Sindh is not receiving its due share of water as per signed water accords and treaties, so, historic cities like Thatta have become victim of such unjustified atrocity.

No release of water to Kotri downstream through canals of Thatta has badly affected the irrigational conditions of the area.

Some Talukas of Thatta like Sujawal, Daro, Jati and Kohistani areas of Makli are acute victims and there seems no hope for the remedy of these areas.

The Kalri Canal and Keenjhar Lake are main sources of water for Thatta and Makli Taulkas while Daro canal provides water to Sujawal, Jati and Daro Taulkas by 62 branches. Even condition of these water canals is getting worst by every passing day and water has turned brackish which is harmful for human life.

The consecutive shortage of water in Thatta has become a serious issue. Almost 12.50 million people are victim of this issue and residents of urban area are compelled to purchase drinking water at 25 to 30 Rupees per gallon.

On other hand, the rural communities are left with unhygienic water of wells, canals and hand pumps which is not safe for health. In villages, women and children walk miles to fetch water.

Like gas, power and floor crises of in our country, issue of water is also related with the increase of price.

Many people in the areas of Jati, Makli, Daro and especially in rural communities are suffering from diseases like diarrhea, malaria, typhoid, paratyphoid, enteric fevers and hepatitis. These diseases besides adding to the miseries of residents are also increasing the death ratio in the area.

Earlier, it was merely a water issue but now it is also associated with health problem.

The ruling class has deprived the people of Thatta from basic amenities of life. By each rising sun, Thatta is becoming most backward city of Pakistan. If situation persists then Thatta would undoubtedly be doomed into darkness and stone age.

It is appealed to the higher authorities and administration to save Thatta which is one of the glorious pieces of past. Government should take serious steps to provide relief to the people. The majesty of Thatta could be recovered if proper water management is ensured throughout the country.

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