# Sindh’s Tharparkar declared drought-hit, urgent relief sought

- Link: https://globalvoicebd.com/economy/sindhs-tharparkar-declared-drought-hit/
- Published: 2026-11-08T02:32:45-05:00
- Author: GV Newsroom

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday declared Tharparkar
a drought-affected district and directed relevant departments to launch relief operations
without delay.

Presiding over a meeting at CM House, Shah was briefed on drought-like conditions
across all seven talukas of the district. 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.

According to a statement issued by the CM House, the briefing confirmed that 85 
to 90 per cent of cultivated crops had been destroyed or rendered unproductive. 
The agriculture extension department estimated losses at around 90 per cent, while
reports from assistant commissioners and mukhtiarkars indicated that only 10 to 
15 per cent of crops had survived.

Shah expressed serious concern over the impact of inadequate and poorly distributed
rainfall on agriculture, livestock and livelihoods in the desert district. He noted
that livestock remains a major source of income for local communities and stressed
the need for immediate intervention to protect it.

He directed the chief secretary to ensure that all non-functional reverse osmosis(
RO) plants are repaired and restored on a priority basis. Authorities were also 
instructed to identify faults in existing water supply sources and restore them 
to full capacity so communities have uninterrupted access to drinking water.

Additionally, Shah ordered an urgent assessment of the feasibility of laying a dedicated
water supply line from Naukot to Mithi to provide a sustainable and reliable supply.
He said all technical and administrative requirements should be examined promptly
to develop a long-term solution to the area’s water shortage.

The chief minister further emphasised the need for immediate arrangements to address
the fodder shortage and protect livestock. He directed concerned departments to 
coordinate efforts and ensure relief reaches affected areas without delay.

The briefing highlighted uneven monsoon rainfall this year. While seasonal totals
ranged from 181 mm to 273 mm across the seven talukas, September rainfall was particularly
low—between 1 mm and 36 mm—causing crops and natural grass to dry out before maturing.

Shah said the provincial government would stand by the people of Tharparkar during
this difficult period and instructed the administration to remain vigilant, closely
monitor the situation, and ensure no affected community is left without essential
support.