Sindh CM Declares Tharparkar Drought-Hit
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday declared Tharparkar a drought-affected district. He made the announcement after reviewing the situation and the severe crop losses in the area.
He directed the relevant departments to begin relief work immediately. He also ordered that drinking water and essential supplies must be available to the affected population.
Mr Shah presided over a meeting at the CM House. He was briefed on drought-like conditions in all seven talukas of the district.
Officials Present at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by MNA Dr Mahesh Malani; MPAs Dost Muhammad Rahimoon, Qasim Soomro, Faqeer Sher Muhammad Bilalani and Arbab Lutfullah; Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah; Senior Member of the Board of Revenue Khalid Hyder Shah; and Mirpurkhas Commissioner Shahmir Bhutto.
Crop Losses in Tharparkar
According to a press statement from the CM House, the briefing showed that all seven talukas were facing drought-like conditions. About 85 to 90 per cent of cultivated crops were either destroyed or rendered unproductive. The agriculture extension department estimated crop losses at around 90 per cent. Field reports from assistant commissioners and mukhtiarkars confirmed that only 10 to 15 per cent of crops had survived.
The chief minister expressed serious concern over the effect of inadequate and poorly distributed rainfall on agriculture, livestock and livelihoods in the district.
He said the situation needed immediate government intervention, especially to protect livestock. Livestock is a major source of income for the people of the desert district.
Water Supply and Fodder Arrangements
He directed the chief secretary to ensure that all non-functional reverse osmosis (RO) plants were repaired and restored on a priority basis. Authorities were also told to identify faults in existing water supply sources and make them fully functional. This would ensure local communities had uninterrupted access to drinking water.
Mr Shah further asked the chief secretary to assess the feasibility of laying a dedicated water supply line from Naukot to Mithi. This would provide the people of Mithi with a sustainable and reliable supply. He said all technical and administrative requirements should be examined urgently so that a long-term solution to the area's water shortage could be developed.
The chief minister also stressed the need for urgent arrangements to address the shortage of fodder and protect livestock from the effects of drought. He directed the departments concerned to coordinate their efforts and ensure that relief reached the affected areas without delay.
Rainfall Details and Government Support
The briefing noted that rainfall during this year's monsoon had been uneven. Seasonal totals ranged from 181mm to 273mm across the seven talukas. However, September rainfall was particularly low, at between 1mm and 36mm. As a result, crops and natural grass dried out before they could mature.
The CM said the provincial government would stand by the people of Tharparkar during this difficult period. He directed the administration to remain vigilant, monitor the situation closely and ensure that no affected community was left without essential support.
Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2026
Source: dawn