Access to water is a key problem for the district of Tharparkar, which comprises an area of 22,000sqkm. More than 1.4 million people and about five million heads of livestock live in the area, where annual rainfall averages can be as low as 9mm, and drought is common.

To cope with this water scarcity, the government and other stakeholders are trying their level best to bring a sustainable solution to water needs of Tharparkar. Various approaches including solar-powered reverse osmosis technology, solar pumps, groundwater extraction through dug wells and hand pumps, rainwater harvesting, pipe water supply etc are being undertaken simultaneously. However, Tharparkar desert is categorically distributed in various ecological zones based on the topography, soil condition and water table. Hence, some different and unique water coping approaches are needed zone wise. All these require an integrated approach for the district Level Water Security Plan.

The consultative process of developing a water security plan for the arid region of the country, namely Tharparakar desert, succeeded in drawing the attention of secretary PHED, Sindh Province who commended the effort. The Water Security Plan for Tharparkar is now submitted to the provincial Chief Minister of Sindh for approval. The plan once approved, will be shared with wider stakeholders and potential donors for its resourcing and implementation to be led by the Government of Sindh.

 

 

 

Banno has now access to clean water close to home

as a Reverse Osmosis plant is installed in her village.

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Image: WaterAid/ Sibtain Haider