BAHAWALPUR: The Cholistan desert, facing a dry spell since last year, poses no threat of drought-like conditions due to the measures jointly taken by the administrations of Bahawalpur division and Cholistan Development Authority (CDA).

This was stated by Divisional Commissioner retired Capt Javed Akbar.

Talking to Dawn, the commissioner pointed out that though there were hardships in the availability of water both for human consumption and livestock and their fodder, but the administration was aware of the situation and had adopted alternate measures in time.

He said it had been ensured that the scattered population in the desert did not face shortage of drinking water and their animals were also provided water and fodder. Cholistanis had been provided alternate assistance to feed their livestock. Regarding supply of drinking water to the inhabitants and their cattle, the commissioner said all four water supply pipelines after being repaired were functioning properly and providing water to the people. Besides, other arrangements had also been made.

Akbar said out of the total 110 ponds (tobas), about seven had been desilted to store rainwater for drinking under the chief minister’s billion-rupee Cholistan package announced in March 2014.

He said under the package, projects for construction of new roads and repair of existing ones in the desert had been handed over to the highways department as the CDA could not carry out this mega project owing to limited machinery and staff.

Also present on the occasion, Punjab Minister for Cooperatives Malik Iqbal Channar said the under the chief minister’s package, the process of allotment of land among deserving Cholistanis was underway and revenue staff was working to complete the task as soon as possible.

POLIO: Over 500,000 children were administered anti-polio vaccine during a three-day campaign that concluded here on Wednesday.

According to officials of the health department, teams of about 500 workers went from door to door to administer polio vaccine to children.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2015

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