SPREAD over an area of 19,637 square kilometres, Tharparkar is transforming itself for the good. With a couple of thousand villages and millions in livestock, the agro-pastoral economy is slowly changing into a cash economy, with vegetables and fruits from the canal reaching the markets daily. Newspapers which were previously available only by post are also available easily now.

The monsoon schedule has changed from June to August. The seasonal migration has shifted accordingly during which camels and cows are transported through trucks along with people to avoid deaths due to dehydration. Skill training and a whole new lifestyle can be found in the area owing to the establishment of the Thar coal plant.

Hundreds of tourists visit Tharparkar every year and dozens of guest houses have been established in towns. The water pipeline from the canal means the towns now get piped water on alternate days, facilitating the lives of thousands of farmers who have migrated to towns for better education and livelihood opportunities. Even the construction of houses take place around the year.

Besides the presence of government schools in almost every village, private schools have also become functional. Healthcare services have also improved and even qualified gynaecologists are available round the clock at government and private hospitals. Life is good!

Dr Khataumal
Mithi, Tharparkar

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2021