Sindh declares Tharparkar calamity-hit as drought destroys 90% of crops
The Sindh government has decided to declare Tharparkar a calamity-hit district after drought destroyed most of its crops. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered urgent steps on drinking water, livestock and relief.
- Sindh decides to declare Tharparkar a calamity-hit district
- All seven talukas face drought-like conditions
- 85 to 90 percent of crops destroyed or made unproductive
- Chief Minister orders water supply, RO plant repairs and livestock measures
The Sindh government has decided to declare Tharparkar a calamity-hit district because of drought. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed the departments concerned to take urgent measures to deal with the situation, according to Express News, Daily Jang, Geo News and other outlets.
During a briefing, the chief minister was told that all seven talukas of Tharparkar are facing drought-like conditions. The briefing said 85 to 90 percent of crops in the district were destroyed or rendered unproductive. The agriculture extension department put the crop loss at about 90 percent.
The briefing gave rainfall as one reason. Only 1 to 36 mm of rain was recorded across the seven talukas in September 2026. Because the rain was unbalanced, crops and natural grass dried out before they matured.
Murad Ali Shah directed that drinking water supply to the residents of Tharparkar be ensured. He ordered that RO plants that are not working be repaired and made functional again, and that all existing water supply sources be restored immediately.
He also asked the chief secretary to examine the feasibility of a water pipeline from Nawkot to Mithi, and directed long-term planning for the area's water supply. Daily Jang spells the town Nokot.
On livestock, the chief minister asked for recommendations on measures to protect animals affected by the drought. He also directed continuous monitoring of relief measures in the drought-hit areas.
"We will not leave the affected people of Tharparkar alone; the Sindh government will provide them all possible help," Murad Ali Shah said, in a translation of his Urdu remarks.
The government said its priorities are drinking water, protecting livestock and relief for affected families.
Why it matters
Farmers in Tharparkar have lost most of their crops, which affects their incomes and the local food supply. Herders face risks to their animals as natural grass has dried out. Residents of the district depend on the repair of RO plants and water sources for drinking water. The declaration and the ordered relief measures are aimed at these households.
