Public Forum Umerkot

T HARDEEP R URAL D EVELOPMENT P ROGRAMME (TRDP)

PUBLIC FORUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME HELD ON JULY 03, 2006 AT UMERKOT, DISTRICT UMERKOT ORGANIZED BY THARDEEP IN COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE (NDI)

THARDEEP RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (TRDP) HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Near Dargah Hussain Shah Siran, Mithi – 69230 District Tharparkar Sindh Pakistan Tel: (0232) 261462 Fax: (0232) 261379 E-mail: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION Arid region is defined as a barren land lacking enough water for vegetation to grow (Victoria and Grualnik, 1988). The major deserts and arid regions of the world result primarily from global, or at least from hemispheric wind patterns, and arise from the whole general circulation. Many aspects of meteorology are pertinent to arid regions a few of them are unique to desserts (Cloudsley, 1976). Arid regions are characterized by low precipitation, which is usually associated with considerable insolation. According to Cloudsley (1976), arid regions can be divided into five types on climate basis. These are as follows: 1-Subtropical/ tropical deserts 2-Cool coastal deserts 3-Rain shadow deserts 4-Interior continental deserts 5-Polar deserts Subtropical/ tropical deserts are largely the result of semi- permanent of high pressure in the tropical regions, with which the air has the tendency to descend form high altitudes towards the surface of the land. As it does so, it becomes warmed by compressional heating so that it is hot, dry and completely incapable of producing any precipitation by the time it reaches ground level. Rain and thunderstorms of monsoon type, accompany the pole ward movements of the intertropical fronts in summer ( Cloudsley,1976). The arid zones of Sindh can be classified as subtropical deserts. These constitute significant portion of the province and stretch over an area of 68000 km of the province (Table,1). The arid region of the province is divided into three roughly even sized distinct regions: i) The Thar region covers 23000 square kilometers with a human population of, nearly 1.5 million souls (Census, 1998) This region is mainly in Tharparkar district and extends southwards along the Ran of Kutch. Thar or Tharparkar including Nara is the Sindh part of Great Indian Desert and is located between 24º - 28 North latitude and 67º - 71º east longitudes. The Thar and Nara regions are region. The sand dunes in the Thar mostly run parallel. Thar range includes area with a climate, which is described as arid in north and semi-arid in the south. Humidity is fairly high in the marine zone while rainfall varies from north to south. Poor rains are encounterred about every three years and a complete drought once in every 10 years. The average range carrying capacity increases immediately after rains but reduces to 7- 10 ha per five sheep (Ishaque, 1993).. ii) The Nara region stretches over 22000 square kilometers and the upper portion Nara region’s lies in Sukkur, Khairpur, Nawab Shah and Sanghar districts. Thar and Nara regions, both are located on the left side of the river and form eastern boundary of the province. iii) Kohistan region covers 23000 square kilometers. Kohistan occupies 4 per cent of the total landmass of the province and consists of parts of Dadu (90%), Larkana (6%) and Thatta (4%). Ecologically, it is categorized as a tropical submountainous zone and is classified as a tropical maritime rangeland. Kohistan

lies along the western boundary between Sindh and Balochistan and extends in the south along the delta area of the river Indus. Ecologically; the tract can be categorized as a tropical, sub- mountainous zone and is classified as a tropical maritime range land. These arid regions are generally categorized by sandy tracts, barren mountains, rock out-crop, sand dunes, uncultivated sandy and light soil plans and large tracts of rangelands. These arid areas form rangelands of Sindh. Out of total area of 14.09 million hectares 9.28 m. hectares (Table,2) is range (GOP, 1973). Nearly 11 per cent of population of the province lives in tropical arid regions. The arid regions of Sindh represents 17 per cent of arid area of Pakistan, where as Tharparkar alone constitutes14 per cent of the rainfed area of the country. The central irrigated zone of the province is commanded by canal irrigation (Fig.1), which mainly concentrate along both sides of the river Indus which flows as the mid rib of the province. The canal-irrigated area is flanked on north eastern side by Tharparkar and Nara deserts and on south western side by submountainous maritime ranges of Kohistan

§ Resources of the Arid Region The resources of the arid regions are described as under:§ Soil resource § Water resource § Vegetation § Rangeland and range flora § Fauna § Livestock Soil resource The desert consists of vast expanse of sand ridges. The height of ridges is 60 – 90 m, locally 150 – 170 m. These ridges run parallel to each other and are aligned parallel to prevailing south- west – north- east winds. They are spread by valleys, both narrow and broad. Sand ridges make up 70 – 90 per cent of ridge valley system, while the valleys account for the remaining 10 – 30 per cent. Soils of sand ridges are invariably very fine sands, stabilized towards their windward faces the leeward side. The sands facilitate deeper penetration of

rainwater. Therefore, only small percent of soil moisture is lost by evaporation. The moisture enables a wide variety of xerophytic plants establish in these soils. The soils are vulnerable to disturbance, particularly overgrazing, cutting, uprooting, trampling and tilling. Soils in intervening valleys are predominantly very fine sands or loamy fine sands. At places, valleys collect runoff from rainwater, which is conserved in wells for livestock drinking. In such valleys dry- land millet, sorghum and guara are grown on conserved moisture. Small part of desert in extreme south – east corner in Nagar Parkar area is occupied by a scatter of rocky hills and their piedmont plains. The rock hills contain granite. The principal range namely Karonjhar is 19km long and maximum height is 360 meters. Terrain of Thar Desert can be divided into the following four physical zones: i.e. sand dunes, valley, flat alluvial plains and hills.Most of the area is composed of huge sand dunes and small inter – dunal valleys. These sand dunes locally called Bhits run parallel to each other are oriented from north east to south – west. The height of these “Bhits” varies from 50 to 500 feet. Many bear shrubs, grasses and small trees, which are responsible for their stabilization, while others support little or no vegetation. Water Resources In the province 24 percent of the area is irrigated by canals (95 per cent), wells (4 percent) and tube wells and other means. There is n shortage of drinking water in irrigated area of the province except when canals are closed. However, arid areas have 3109 and 25761 mud ponds locally called “Tarais” for storage of rainwater in Thar (Ishaque, 1993). In most of the wells the water is brackish and sufficiently deep to require emptying by animal power. During droughts the level of wells may fall and the “Tarais” may dry up completely or become heavily polluted and hazardous to health. In this situation on the herders have to walk long distances to water their animals or migrate to other areas along with their animals. Thar Desert lacks rain fed streams. However, there are a few streams in Nargar area, which flow for few hour after rains. Few dams have been constructed at some places on these streams to store rainwater for some time for cultivation. Small quantities of surface water also collects in the southern part of Mithi and Diplo near edge of desert and flows to Run of Kutch. Besides there are a few springs in the hills in Nagar Parkar area. The districts of Tharparkar and Umerkot, which are generally water scare, received three continuous spells of unprecedented torrential rains in July and August of this year. These heavy rains devastated houses, crops, and livestock. These two districts share a long history of providing refuge to each other’s communities in times of disasters as they are contiguous to each other and share a common geography, language and culture. District Umerkot has acted as safety net for Tharparkar in times of need because Umerkot has large areas of irrigated lands, which produce enough food and fodder not only for the people of the district, but for neighboring districts also. Once it rains in Tharparkar, Umerkot

farmers and landlords send their livestock to Tharparkar (where more fodder is available due to the rains) to conserve fodder in their own area. Thus, the people of the two districts have come to rely on each other, especially in times of need. Since the current rains devastated both districts equally, people from the two districts were not able to rely on the other district for refuge and relief. Normally, Tharparkar and Umerkot receive their first monsoon showers at the end of June. The showers recur at 15-30 day intervals till mid-September. The average annual rainfall for Tharparkar and Umerkot for the period 1971-2000, ranged between 225mm- 250 mm /year (Chhor Metrological station). However, the rains in 2003 have been exceptional with Tharparkar recording 350 mm of rain so far. The result has been flash floods in parts of Tharparkar and adjoining districts. The pattern of rainfall had also been erratic with some areas receiving heavy downpours and other places not receiving any/ much rains. According to TRDP’s Household Economy Assessment Report,1 local communities are more vulnerable to changes in weather patterns between June and September because they are so dependent on adequate and timely annual monsoon rains. By the time the monsoons arrive, crops from the pervious year’s harvest have been largely consumed/ sold; existing seed stocks have been depleted and new debts incurred for the coming harvest and other needs. The rural dwellers of both district, most of whom are poor or very poor, suffer devastation and misery if the monsoon rains are untimely or too little/ too much.

1

TRDP Household Economy Assessment Report: “Thar Desert Livelihood Zone” December 2004.

The Open forum on the “Water” started with the recitation from Holy Quran, Soofi Jalal-ud-Din had the privilege to do so. Mr.Ghulam Abass Khoso, Regional Manager, Umerkot welcomed participants and briefed about the public forum. He said that public- private partnership is very important for development activities; very fortunately we are enjoying good relation with Local Government in the district, TRDP and District Government carrying on many public infrastructures (safe drinking water) schemes in collaboration. We have gathered here to discuss on drinking water- situation, access to community, issues and solution. Mr Abass quoted the example of the tube well installed by TRDP in the village of Somo Samoon and emphasized on the exploration under ground water sources in the district. KARIM BUX Water is life, this is an open forum therefore we should talk very frankly. Water scarcity has worsened the overall situation. JUMAN DARBADAR Mr. Juman appreciated TRDP for organizing such type of beneficial and memorable events. Distribution of water is not fair in Sindh, we are at the tail and don’t have drinking water for a longer period in a year. Political influence and nepotism have made lives miserable; landlords are involved in water theft. The Government should take steps to solve the problem and improve the performance of water management department so that deprived people could get their basic rights. ABDULLAH ARISAR Shortage of water has become the order of the day which is one of the Government’s blessings to poor people. Mr. Abdullah said that the concerned authorities should take care of poor people living at the tail. ALI AKBER I agree with all of the participants who have talked here on water issues. I would like to add something more to it that the owners with 100 acres piece of land at the top do get water but the owners who have 500 acres at the tail are badly affected due to continuous shortage of water. MAZHAR LAGHARI, NDI, ISLAMABAD I welcome all of you. This forum is organized to discuss on water situation however, water theft is low in Umerkot as compared to Nara and Salah Pat. Fair

distribution and correction and repair of water courses could improve the situation. The concerned departments should take efforts to ensure the access of safe drinking water to every household. ZAFAR ALI Mr. Zafar appreciated TRDP for organizing the forum. He said that TRDP should come forward to carryout a survey of under ground water sources and initiate desalination projects. GHULAM MOHAMMAD MAHAR There is water theft and ‘might is right’ culture prevails in Umerkot. However, it is Syed Muzafar Hussain Shah always cares for poor farmers. DHARAM DAS MALHI The water problem is very pertinent, I am thankful to Thardeep Team for inviting me to participate in the forum. Being the Nazim, UC Umerkot, I welcome all of the participants and extend my special thanks to Kunwar Hameer Singh. The agriculture production has decreased and the crop of Nara rice is no more cultivated due to scarcity of water in Umerkot. The TRDP is taking efforts for providing water schemes in the area. However, still a lot of hard work is required. We should join hands to complement each other so that community could get benefits. ABDUL- HAQUE ARISAR Scarcity of water has weakened the economy in the district. Gone are those days people would say ‘ordinary landlords of Umerkot rank equal to Navabs of Nara.’ Mr. Arisar said that the rulers are not making justice with poor people. He suggested for following the path of Hazrat Umer. ALI AKBER RAHIMMON Deficient planning and poor water management have been major reasons for scarcity of water. A suitable water policy should be made and implemented. A fair distribution of available water should be ensured. ABID CHANNA The Vice President, World Bank has appealed for saving and proper utilization of water sources. Under ground water resources would soon be run short because of installation of a number of tube wells in many districts in Sindh.

In Sindh 12 and 88 percentage of available water is for drinking and agriculture purposes however, we don’t have water policy at district level. Water management is needed to be improved from top to bottom. HAMEER SINGH, DITRICT NAIB NAZIM I welcome all of the participants and appreciate them for sharing views in the forum. I am thankful to TRDP management for inviting me. Undoubtedly, there is a severe scarcity of water in the district of Umerkot. Eleven canals have been dried in Union Council, Pithoro. Water distribution system should be managed properly; there is no shortage of water in our country. TRDP is doing very good work in Tharparkar and Umerkot; I acknowledge the leadership qualities of Dr. Sono Khangharani head of the organization. During the year 2006-2007, the District Government, Umerkot in collaboration with Thardeep will install a hand pump in every household.

Current Situation After a two year drought, Umerkot and Tharparkar districts received their first spell of monsoon rains during the first week of July 2006. TRDP collected readings from its own system of recording rainfall installed at various locations, including Mithi, Chachro, Islamkot, Diplo, and Umerkot towns. (Table 1) provides information on rainfall levels in these towns recorded during the months of July and August. Table 1

Rainfall levels recorded in July & August 2006 Umerkot district

Town

July

August

Total for July & Aug

10th -25th Aug

22nd Aug

23rd Aug

Umerkot

135 mm

386 mm

519 mm

363 mm

68 mm

144 mm

Source: TRDP

Unprecedented rains in the entire area of District Tharparkar and Districts Umerkot started on 15th August 2006 and ended on 25th August 2006. According to the information gathered from the Pakistan Meteorological Department and other sources, different locations of the area have received about 350-550 mm rain during these ten days. The highest amount of rain was recorded on 22nd and 23rd August 2006. On 23rd August, Chachro received 125 mm of rain and Umerkot received 144mm of rain in a single day. This spell of

heavy and consecutive rainfall during the last half of August is responsible for much of the devastation in the Tharparkar and Umerkot areas. The heavy rains have played havoc with the day to day life of the people of the area and considerable damage has occurred to houses, crops and cattle. People have suffered damage to adobe huts, crops and livestock in more than 80% of Chachro and Umerkot talukas and thousands of families have lost their homes and sought refuge in safer places. Of 22 villages surveyed, the roads in and around 15 villages could not be used for travel for seven days in August after the torrential rains.

Annex-1 Thardeep Rural Development Programme (TRDP) Human Resource Development Local Government Programme (LGP) National Democratic Institute (NDI) OPEN FORUM Topic : Safe Drinking Water Date : July 03, 2006 Time : 1700 hrs Venue: Umerkot Please make it sure our check list takes some importance features into accounts as the following sample indicators and allocation of responsibilities S# Description Responsibilities 1 Invitations to; Ghulam Abbas Khoso - Government Officials and NGOs - Local Government, Notable and Media 2 Arrangement of Training Hall; Noornisa and Committees Generator, sound system, Decoration, Stage arrange, Stationeries and Chairs 3 Banner in Sindhi Nasarullah / Jalal Jani 4 Poster in Sindhi will stick on Public Places Noorunisa / Committees 5 News in Local Newspapers about the Public G. Abbas & Noorunisa Forum before one day covers date, time and venue 6 Registration and facilitation Noorunisa& Committees 7 Report in Sindhi Sikiladho/ Committees 8 Video and Photography Shahdev Doongrani 9 Nominate / select the leader / president of forum G. Abbas Khoso 10 Stage Secretary Noorunisa & Nasarullah 11 Draft Press Release Sikiladho / Jalal

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