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The 2024 monsoon season has wreaked havoc across Pakistan, especially in Balochistan, Punjab, and Sindh. Heavy rains have led to widespread flooding, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage. Unusually high temperatures have exacerbated the situation, accelerating snowmelt in regions like upper KP, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), as of September 1, the country has experienced above-average rainfall and a total of 306 people have lost their lives, including 155 children. Additionally, 584 people have been injured, with 212 of them being children.

Moreover, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has announced today that a moist current from the Bay of Bengal is expected to move into the upper parts of the country from September 2. Rain, wind, and more thundershowers are predicted for Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, Jacobabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tharparkar, Mithi, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, and Sanghar on September 3 and 4. Farmers are advised to manage their activities according to the weather forecast.

A strong spell of monsoon rain is anticipated in the tribal areas of Dera Ghazi Khan from September 2 – 7, which may result in severe flash floods in Rajanpur and DG Khan. PDMA Balochistan has declared 12 districts as calamity-hit.

Extreme Weather Causes Chaos in Sindh

Pakistan’s Indus River experienced a significant surge in water levels from upstream, resulting in severe flooding in the kacha areas (riverine regions) in Sindh. In Khairpur district alone, 33,178 people were affected including 11,060 men, 13,700 women, and 4,209 children. Union Councils (UCs) Ripri of Taluka Gambat, Sadar Ji Bhatyoon, Hadal Shah, and Rahoja/Mohal in Taluka Kingri are significantly affected by subsequent flooding.

In Mirpur Khas, heavy rains began on August 26, submerging UC Roshan Abad and UC Khuda Bux in Taluka Jhuddo. On August 28, 131 mm of rain was recorded in Mirpur Khas resulting in a total of 1,477 houses left partially or completely damaged.

In Umerkot, 149 mm of rain was recorded this past week, leaving UC Kundri and Samero underwater. This forced residents to migrate and caused massive damage to their homes.

In Mirpur Khas, almost all onion, cotton, and fruit crops are submerged, with only sugarcane unaffected. This has worsened the situation for the affected population, who rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods. In Khairpur, 80% of the ready crops are damaged.

Flood affected communities are suffering from water borne and climate induced diseases, such as malaria, diarrhea, scabies and gastroenteritis, while pregnant women and newborn babies are experiencing malnutrition due to limited food supply, low resources and lack of health facilities. With roads and communication channels temporarily lost, pregnant women have no access to quality delivery services leading to delayed, unhygienic and problematic labour cases. The animals in the communities are also suffering from waterborne diseases, with an acute shortage of fodder.

Many families, along with their remaining livestock, have sought refuge on protected bunds as most villages in flood-hit districts are left submerged. Despite some water discharge, the water level has continued to rise, creating an alarming situation, especially if further rainfall occurs or upstream flooding happens.

Flood affected communities in Sindh are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance including:

  1. Food: Immediate provision of food supplies to ensure affected individuals have access to nutritious meals.
  2. Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance: Financial support to affected families to enable them to purchase essential items and meet their immediate needs according to their priorities
  3. Emergency Shelter and Non-Food Items (ESNFI): Distribution of essential items like tarpaulin tents, household items, and sleeping mats to provide shelter and comfort to those displaced by the flooding.
  4. WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and dignity kits: Provision of clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene kits to prevent the spread of diseases and maintain personal hygiene, preserving the dignity of affected individuals.

The Deputy Commissioner, Khairpur has appealed to the aid community to extend their support to katch and low-lying areas of District Khairpur, that have been declared calamity hit. Local and provincial authorities and the humanitarian community are closely coordinating to plan and respond in an efficient and effective way. A joint assessment led by international humanitarian organisations has also been completed for Khairpur and Sukkur divisions in late August which has verified and reinforced the need for the assistance mentioned above.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of affected provinces are managing the response. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) recently issued a call for a localized response, urging humanitarian partners to assist the affected people.

Some people in Khairpur walk through the stagnant water, up to a foot deep, to reach their homes.
In Khairpur, affected communities are using boats to cross roads, as the main access routes are submerged underwater.
CWSA Team giving Health Education Session to the flood affected community in Taulka Gambat district Khairpur.
CWSA’s Mobile Health Unit in Mirpur Khas where people receive medical assistance. These MHUs are equipped with qualified doctors and free medicines.
Health and Education Session by CWSA team for the affected community in Mirpur Khas.
CWSA’s Lady Health Worker and Doctor in field to assist the affected community in Khairpur.
Village Dhanasar submerged under water in Umerkot District. 
Homes of the local residents are under water due to heavy rainfall in Umerkot. 

Community World Service Asia’s Response

Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is in close coordination with the local government, affected communities and other stakeholders active in the region. To address the urgent health needs of the affected population, our health teams are on the ground, delivering essential primary healthcare services through our Mobile Health Units and Free Medical Camps. Our mobile units are equipped to reach remote and severely impacted areas, providing critical medical care, disease prevention awareness and medicines, and health education to those who have been displaced or are otherwise unable to access traditional healthcare facilities.

We have been providing medical assistance and conducting health education sessions in nearly all the rain-affected areas of Mirpur Khas and Khairpur. On Friday, August 30, in Mirpurkhas’s Benazir Colony village, where over 150 homes remain submerged, CWSA’s team held a free medical camp, serving 162 patients and distributing essential medicines and hygiene materials. A one-day free medical camp in village Tapa Doulatpur of the same district was also set up, conducting 142 OPD sessions, along with health and hygiene awareness sessions for men, women and children. The most highly reported medical cases included fever, skin infections, diarrhea, ENT issues, eye infections, and UTIs.

In addition to the ongoing response, CWSA proposes the following humanitarian actions based on the current needs:

  1. Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA)
  2. Emergency Healthcare
  3. Dignity & Hygiene Kits
  4. Temporary Shelter Kits
  5. Promoting Quality & Accountability in Humanitarian Action

Community World Service Asia’s team is coordinating with the District Government and the District Health Officer (DHO) who have requested for additional medical camps in Mirpur Khas to assist affected communities. We are also in close coordination with other humanitarian actors and disaster management authorities and participated in a cross-sectoral meeting to assess the on-going situation and plan a coordinated response in the Sukkur & Khairpur Division. This meeting was led by UNOCHA and IOM and was attended by 28 INGOs/NGOs.

As the crisis unfolds, our efforts will focus on mitigating the ongoing challenges faced by affected communities, ensuring they receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives and recover from yet again another climate disaster.

Contacts:

Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Palwashay Arbab
Head of Communication
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Sources:
Relief Web
PDMA, Sindh
NDMA
Pakistan Metrological department
Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Khairpur
Joint Fact-Finding Mission Report, Khairpur & Sukkur Division.

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Widespread destruction of local infrastructure and agricultural lands has also been reported as a result of the floods.

Pakistan’s Indus River experienced a significant surge in water levels from upstream, resulting in severe riverine flooding in the kacha areas (riverine areas) as monsoon rains hit several provinces in full force this week. These riverines and flash floods have both caused wide spread damages in different areas of Pakistan. In Sindh province, district Khairpur is among the most severely hit, with one person reported dead, two seriously injured, and thousands affected, requiring urgent humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation efforts.

A total of 3700 hundred families in Khairpur alone have been affected by the torrential rains and subsequent floods, with 270 families (along with their livestock, for most families a sole livelihood source) left displaced, and temporarily relocated along the protective bands or with relatives. Local authorities and field teams report 28,969 people affected (11,060 men, 13,700 women, and 4,209 children) in 36 villages in the district.

Flood affected communities are suffering from water borne and climate induced diseases, such as malaria, diarrhea, scabies and gastroenteritis, while pregnant women and newborn babies are experiencing malnutrition due to limited food supply, low resources and lack of health facilities. With roads and communication channels temporarily lost, pregnant women have no access to quality delivery services leading to delayed, unhygienic and problematic labour cases. The animals in the communities are also suffering from waterborne diseases, with an acute shortage of fodder.

Extensive damage to local infrastructure and agricultural lands due to the floods have also been reported. Thousands of hectares of standing and prepared crops, including cotton, dates, bananas, jowar (Sorghum), and vegetables, have been destroyed. More than 25 primary, elementary, and high schools have also been partially damaged, ruining the educational infrastructure, furniture, and fixtures, and disrupting academic activities just when the schools had reopened for new term.

An emergency needs assessment has identified the following needs:

  • Evacuation, rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts
  • Food Support
  • Non Food Items (NFI)
  • Shelter Kits
  • Medical camps with medicines and ambulance services
  • Nutritional support for children
  • Tent-schools and child-friendly spaces
  • WASH support, including Hygiene kits, Dignity Kits and Pit toilets
  • Hand pumps and drinking water
  • Animal fodder, treatment, and vaccination

Homes have been destroyed, families displaced, and essential resources are scarce. Immediate support and action are urgently needed to provide relief and rebuild lives.

CWSA’s Mobile Health Units are active and are reaching affected communities in remote flood affected areas to meet their urgent health needs.
CWSA’s health teams are on the ground, providing essential primary care through our Mobile Health Units to meet the urgent needs of the affected population.
These mobile units are equipped with medicines, qualified doctors and equipment to reach and support remote and severely impacted communities
Health Education sessions are being held with affected communities in Khairpur.
Affected communities are using boats to reach the main roads, as the access routes are submerged in rainwater.
Health Education sessions are being held with affected communities in Khairpur.

Community World Service Asia’s Response: Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is in close coordination with the local government, affected communities and other stakeholders active in the region. To address the urgent health needs of the affected population, our health teams are on the ground, delivering essential primary healthcare services through our Mobile Health Units. These mobile units are equipped to reach remote and severely impacted areas, providing critical medical care, disease prevention awareness and medicines, and health education to those who have been displaced or are otherwise unable to access traditional healthcare facilities.

Contacts:

Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Palwashay Arbab
Head of Communication
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Sources:
Relief Web
NDMA
Pakistan Metrological department
Dawn

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As we approach the monsoon season, we are reminded of the devastating impact that floods and extreme climate change have had on Pakistan in recent years. In light of this, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is committed to ensuring a swift and effective response to the anticipated floods in 2024. The National Emergency Operation Centre of NDMA (Pakistan) warned last Tuesday of strong monsoon currents likely to penetrate from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal in upper regions of Pakistan, resulting in a series of rains across various parts of the country in the coming days and weeks. Read the latest Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) report here.

The contingency plan attached is an overview of CWSA’s approach and capacity to respond to the forecasted floods in Pakistan. It highlights the response capacity, available resources, vulnerable geographical areas and available opportunities that can be immediately deputed/utilised to kick off the emergency response.

CWSA’s History and Presence in Pakistan

Community World Service Asia has a long-standing history of over 50 years in Pakistan, working closely with local communities, government agencies, and international partners. Our deep-rooted relationships and extensive presence across the country have enabled us to respond effectively to various emergencies and development challenges. With six operational offices spread across the country, our capacity to operate in all provinces of Pakistan ensures that we can reach the most vulnerable populations swiftly and efficiently.

Preparedness and Response Capacity

In preparation for the anticipated floods, we have mobilised our resources and are ready to deploy six fully functional Mobile Health Units (MHUs). These units are equipped to provide essential medical services, including primary healthcare, maternal and child health, and emergency medical care. Additionally, we have prepositioned a substantial stock of medicines and medical supplies to address immediate health needs.

We have also established Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Mobile Cash Transfer Service providers to facilitate rapid and secure cash assistance to affected families. Our technical and sectoral expertise spans across various domains, including:

  • Quality & Accountability: Ensuring that our interventions promote accountability to affected people and meet the highest standards of quality humanitarian assistance outlined by global standards and practices.
  • Health: Providing emergency healthcare services to affected communities.
  • Psychosocial Support: Addressing the mental health and psychosocial needs of flood-affected individuals.
  • Cash Voucher Assistance: Delivering timely financial support to help families meet their urgent needs in a dignified manner.
  • Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Ensuring access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene promotion.
  • Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E): Continuously assessing the impact and effectiveness of our interventions.

Human Resources and Coordination

Our HR scale-up roster is in place, allowing us to rapidly deploy experienced staff to the affected areas. We have also established a robust coordination mechanism with local level line departments, PDMA/NDMA, international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), and local NGOs to ensure a harmonised and efficient response.

Through our comprehensive contingency plan, combined with our experience and resources, we aim to support flood affected communities immediately and effectively. To achieve this, we are establishing a Rapid Response Fund (RRF), enabling us to mobilise resources and respond within 24 hours of the occurrence of the flood. Your contribution will ensure that essential supplies such as food, clean water, medical aid, and cash will reach flood survivors without delay.

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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday warned that extreme heatwave conditions would persist across parts of Sindh and Punjab in June, with temperatures likely to remain above 48 degrees Celsius.

The authority’s National Emergency Operations Centre said that Umerkot, Tharparkar, Tando Ala Yar, Matiari and Sanghar districts in Sindh are expected to be affected, while in Punjab, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur are most likely to experience heatwave conditions.

In its advisory, NDMA also said that from May 31 to June 5, dust storms, gusty winds and light rain are also likely to occur in the upper regions of the country.

Extreme Weather Conditions

On Thursday, harsh weather conditions persisted across the Sindh province, even though temperatures dropped in most cities.

The Met Office recorded the maximum temperature in Jacobabad at 50.5°C, followed by Dadu at 49°C . Except for Karachi, which barely missed the mark with a high of 39.5°C and 63 per cent humidity, all other cities in the province registered temperatures above the 40 degree-mark.

Severe heatwave conditions persist across most parts of the province with daytime maximum temperature being 6-8 degrees above normal in Dadu, Kambar Shahd­adkot, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shik­arpur, Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad districts and 5-7 degrees above normal in Sang­har, Hyderabad, Mitiari, Tando Allah Yar, Tando Moha­mmad Khan, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Tharparkar and Badin districts.

The heatwave conditions are likely to persist till June 1st.

Warning the authorities to remain alert and take necessary measures, the NDMA advisory urged citizens to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities between 11am and 3pm.

Many labourers from remote areas travel daily to cities for work, but the current heatwave has severely disrupted their livelihoods pattern and led to worsening health conditions. The extreme heat makes commuting difficult.

The heatwave has also impacted people staying at home, as inconsistent electricity and lack of cooling options limit their ability to cope with prolonged heat stress. The ongoing hot and dry weather is stressing water reservoirs, crops, vegetables, and orchards, while also increasing energy and water demand, which is difficult to manage during the current crisis.

Community World Service Asia’s Response:

Community World Service Asia (CWSA), in collaboration with district authorities, has established a heatstroke centre/camp at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Umerkot. The CWSA team initially launched their services by providing cold drinking water, conducting awareness sessions, and referring heatstroke patients to the DHQ. These awareness sessions are delivered directly to pedestrians, patients, and their attendants, messages to prevent heat strokes and raise awareness on precautionary measures are also broadcasted over speakers for public awareness. Every day, more than 1,000 people visit the centre to quench their thirst, as there is no fresh water facility available nearby to them. People not only come to drink water but also carry some back for family members or relatives who are hospitalised at the DHQ. So far, 20 critical patients have been referred to the emergency department after receiving initial treatment.

The CWSA health team has set up heatstroke corners at each public dispensary operated by CWSA to manage emergency cases and serve patients visiting from nearby villages seeking urgent medical services in the extreme heat. The team provides cold drinking water, first aid, ORS, and glucose sachets to visitors seeking medical care.

With additional support, CWSA also plans to establish three heatwave facilitation centres for three months in Umerkot district which will offer clean, cold drinking water, juice and shaded rest areas. Each centre will have generators, pedestal fans, stretchers, necessary furniture, basic medical equipment, and medicines. Two Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) and two medical technicians will rotate among the centres. The paramedic staff will perform emergency procedures such as checking blood pressure, administering medications, clearing airways, and initiating IVs if necessary. They will also apply cold bandages or towels to reduce body temperature. Critical patients will be referred to the nearest healthcare facility, with transportation provided.

These centres will also distribute informational, educational, and communication (IEC) materials to raise awareness about heat-related illnesses. The centres will operate throughout the peak summer months until the end of August.

Contacts:

Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Palwashay Arbab
Head of Communication
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Sources:
Relief Web
NDMA
Pakistan Metrological department
Dawn

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Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a heatwave alert for most parts of the country, especially for Punjab and Sindh provinces.

“It is forecasted that heatwave conditions are likely to develop over most parts of the country, especially Punjab and Sindh from May 21 and likely to advance into severe heatwave conditions from May 23 to May 27,” announced NDMA on Thursday.

The forecast delineates three separate heat wave spells. The initial spell is expected to persist for two to three days, followed by a subsequent spell lasting four to five days towards the end of May. Temperatures are anticipated to further escalate up to 45 degrees Celsius in June. The NDMA spokesperson has cautioned about the likelihood of a third heatwave spell in the initial ten days of the month, which could last for 3 to 5 days.

The NDMA underscores that heat waves will impact both human and animal populations, necessitating proactive measures before the onset of the anticipated heatwaves nationwide.

During the second heatwave, which is anticipated to persist for four to five days, the impact is expected to be felt particularly in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Badin, and Khairpur districts of Sindh.

Reflecting on past experiences, Pakistan encountered its worst heatwave in 2022, as highlighted in the 2022 report by Amnesty International. The report underscores the lethal repercussions of extreme heat, especially for more vulnerable communities and populations such as children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with chronic diseases.

Heatwaves exacerbate health conditions, leading to heat strokes, cramps, and aggravating pre-existing health issues such as diabetes, ultimately culminating in fatalities or accelerated deterioration of health.

Warnings have been issued by the provincial and district governments in Sindh, Punjab and KPK provinces of extreme weather in coming days and have advised people to take precautionary measures such as drinking plenty of water and avoiding direct exposure to the sun. The government is seeking assistance from humanitarian organisations in establishing heatwave camps/centres where affected people may find shelter and cold water, as well as receive basic first-aid treatment.

Community World Service Asia’s Response:

Community World Service Asia (CWSA), in partnership with district authorities, plans to establish four heatwave centres or camps in Umerkot district. These include one central site in Umerkot city and three additional camps near health facilities already supported via CWSA projects: Government dispensary Ramsar, Government Dispensary Jhamrari, and Government Dispensary Cheelband. These camps aim to offer basic services such as first aid, shelter, seating, clean drinking water, and juices to vulnerable individuals in the area, including pedestrians exposed to the sun and at risk of dehydration. With the expected rise in heatwave occurrences, CWSA will plan to expand its efforts to provide similar assistance, as well as first-aid treatment and public awareness campaigns in areas where it maintains operational presence.

Contacts:
Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Palwashay Arbab
Head of Communication
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Sources:
Relief Web
NDMA
Pakistan Metrological department
The Nation Newspaper
The Dawn Newspaper

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Lal Ji, his wife and three children of village Umeed Ali Chandio just outside Nabisar (Umerkot district) live in a very neat, well-kept, almost picturesque home. He is a landless farmer who works eight acres of a landlord’s holding and shares the proceeds with the owner. But he blindly followed farming procedures unchanged for centuries. He cites the example of how millets, guar and mauth lentils were sowed all together in the same plots despite each having a different ripening time.

“When the first crop was ready and we harvested, we damaged nearly half of the remaining unripe species underfoot and with the sickle. That was the way passed down to us by our elders and it simply did not occur to us that planting each specie in separate plots could double the yield of those ripening later. It had to be the staff and trainers of this organisation (Community World Service Asia (CWSA)) to teach us how to do the right thing under!” says Lal Ji.

Asked why it was like that and why he or other farmers did not think logically to increase their yield, Lal Ji simply shrugs and says that was the way of the elders. “But now we are awakened and I am myself surprised how such a simple thing eluded us,” he adds.

If that ancient practice put Thar farmers at a disadvantage, the periodic disasters added to the deterrent. In 2021, Thar was invaded by a pestilence of locust. That year Lal Ji had invested PKR 40,000 (Approx. USD 143) in the eight acres he was farming. This sum had all been borrowed from the landlord and when the locusts wiped out every last bit of green from his fields. He went under debt and had to live by selling off some of his livestock. The year that followed was hardly any better. If there was no locust, the summer rains failed and once again Lal Ji kept body and soul together by disposing off some more of his livestock.

The beginning of 2022 brought in succour. The multi-purpose cash grant, agricultural and vegetable seeds together with training under CWSA & DKH’s food security and livelihood support, smoothed the bumpy road Lal Ji was treading. His excitement about learning to plant millets, guar and mauth in different plots is still viable two years after learning this evident truth. The cash grant helped him pay off his debt and the year when the rest of Sindh was drowned out by the worst deluge known in living memory, his fields in the troughs of the dunes did well with the natural irrigation.

In December 2023, he recounted how he had harvested 400 kilograms each of millets, guar beans and mauth. The millets he kept for his family while the rest he sold. However, being the judicious man that he is, Lal Ji retained enough seeds for his 2024 summer plantation.

Another thing that Lal Ji and the others learned in the training was that selling the harvest wholesale fetched better prices. Earlier they would be approached by the bania (Indian caste consisting generally of moneylenders or merchants) from town who would offer the farmers a price for the standing crop. Since these poor farmers did not have the means to truck their harvest to the market, they reluctantly accepted the offer even when they knew it was fifty percent below the market price. Those who did not, would harvest and pack 40-kilogram sacks to haul to market by donkey as and when they required cash. Though they got marginally more per kilogram than selling the standing crop, the price was still below the market rate.

The training taught them to work cooperatively. In late 2022, when the separately planted crops were nearing harvest, the bania arrived with his offer only to be disappointed. He was told that this time the farmers were to bring their goods to him. And so, Lal Ji and five others filled up their sacks, hired a pick-up truck and hauled the harvest to the market where they sought the best buyer. The profit astonished the group. Once again Lal Ji is amazed why they had not thought of this simple mechanism by themselves.

It takes motivation, a bit of awareness raising and the freedom from worry for communities to think of the future. Following the first CWSA intervention, the village organisation repeatedly beset the District Education Officer and got a regular teacher for the village school who, they insisted, must be a local person and not from another district. This was to ensure interest and regular presence. The teacher, a Nabisar young man, now attends school daily.

Meanwhile, Lal Ji sends his two sons and daughter to the school in Nabisar town. They walk the three kilometres to and fro. For pre-teenage children that’s a tough walk through the sand, but Lal Ji says that the produce of the kitchen garden has added so much vigour to their lives for the children to even be tired when they return in the afternoon. “They also take PKR 20 each for something to eat from their school tuck shop,” says the man.

Sixty rupees daily sounds expensive and Lal Ji says he had always given his children this daily allowance. In days of adversity, he borrowed the sum from the village shop keeper. Now he gives it out from his own purse.

Almost breathless in his narration Lal Ji moves on to the boon of hydroponic agriculture. It is the greatest discovery in Lal Ji’s vocabulary. He shows off his trays of young maize seedlings and narrates how he has already fed one round of this miracle to his three goats even as the second is ready for cutting. The two goats that are in milk have markedly increased yield and his wife is able to give the three children half a glass each with breakfast.

A few houses away, young Bilawal is a livestock keeper with thirty goats who had long supplied the village with dairy products. He too has hydroponic trays in a shed for his livestock and has already fed his livestock three rounds from them. He says his four trays are too few for his stock and plans to increase them to twelve.

“Earlier I got not more than 250 ml of milk a day from each goat. This hydroponic feed is always available, even in the driest part of summer. And now my goats yield twice as much milk,” recounts Bilawal. From the five to six litres of milk from ten lactating goats he produces yogurt and clarified butter (ghee). While the yogurt is used at home, the ghee is a cash produce.

Bilawal says that livestock feed was always a problem during the drier months of summer. As a result, milk output almost dried up during those times. But since he has discovered hydroponic gardening, his goats are yielding very well. If things go well, Bilawal hopes to add a couple of buffaloes to his stock before the end of 2024.

It seems the livestock farmers of village Umeed Ali Chandio have hit the lode.

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In a straight line, Old Subhani lies 30 kilometres due east of Umerkot town; it is a tad longer by the tarmac road. Here Jagisa is a member of the Advisory Committee established in October 2022 after the Community World Service Asia’s training sessions under the HERD project. She says she did not miss a single session. Jagisa is the kind of person who needs no prompting to speak and is quick to relate how being a part of the embroidery makers of Taanka she learned at least one new stitch she had never known before.

“Hurmuchi is a stitch that adds so much value to our work. Earlier we were doing straightforward applique rallis. Now there is greater variety in our products,” says Jagisa. “Just a year before the training a typical ralli bedspread would sell for no more than PKR 800 (Approx. USD 2.8) in the village. It would fetch the same price in Umerkot.”

Now a ralli of the same size fetches PKR 1500 (Approx. USD 5.3) in the village. The better design has greater demand in Umerkot where their menfolk sell them. And if the men only knew the art of haggling, they could get a couple of hundred rupees more. The Taanka group in Old Subhani is also turning out traditional Sindhi embroidered caps. Jagisa relates that the contractor supplies them the raw material and pays labour at PKR 1000 per cap (Approx. USD 3.5). Normally, it would take any woman fifteen to twenty days to turn out one of the more intricately patterned cap. A simpler one takes under ten days. However, if they get their own material, Jagisa says their profit would be in the range of PKR 800 (Approx. USD 6.3).

Kasuba, also a member of the Taanka group, points out that this new stitch being unknown in their village before the training, is now practiced by every applique maker. She says there were several young women who had not joined the training sessions and she has taken it upon herself to teach hurmuchi to all those women and even much younger girls.

Speaking of the drought of 2021, Lakhma, a member of the Resolution Committee, says it was a sort of blessing in disguise for the village. In such a situation in the past, leaving a man or two in each para (precinct) of the village, the community would migrate to the irrigated districts west of Umerkot. “First off, we got monthly rations for six months from CWSA which obviated the need to migrate. That meant our children who would be pulled out of school continued their education. Then we also got two goats per household and that was all the more reason to stay put,” she says.

Lakhma points out how the long trek to the irrigated area sometimes killed off their livestock. But for some years now, they no longer walk as it was before the web of tarmac was laid across the desert. Now they can get on the taxis that zoom around the desert. But living away from home was never free of insecurity and discomfort. There they had to build their temporary shelters of bamboo and wattle, usually open on one side and without a door leaving no room for privacy. “We did not migrate either in 2022 or this year, our children have remained in school and we are in our own homes,” she says.

Now, July has always been the start of the cotton picking season in the canal-irrigated districts and that was one activity the women of Thar never missed. Though the work was very hard, it nonetheless meant good money. But this year when the contractor came to recruit pickers from Old Subhani, Lakhma saw a relative and her husband preparing to go. “They would have been gone for two months and school was reopening in August. I told them to stay. There was plenty of work with the road building crews near the village. Here the men work during the day and come home to sleep with the family,” she says.

Convinced by Lakhma’s argument, the family turned down the contractor’s offer and stayed. The man and his older son are now employed on a road crew and as Lakhma said, both men return in the evening to sleep in their own home. And they together have PKR 1500 to show for their labours. She believes this being the only family that almost went and then didn’t in the end, it was the last time the cotton contractor called upon them. “He knows our ways have changed,” she adds.

On a more physical level, the village is turning green: women are planting trees in their courtyards. Besides the usual ber fruit (Genus Zizyphus) and date palm, women are experimenting with chikoo (sapodilla) and having heard from nearby villages that they do well, are also planting lemon trees.

A new level of awareness is now upon all the women who have undergone the CWSA training sessions. From Old Subhani and other villages, one hears a common refrain on how the gender awareness sessions have helped these communities. Customarily, men were served food first and the best of it too. Women satisfied themselves later with the leftovers. Now families dine together and the menu is shared out equally among girls and boys. The thought is banished that men having to go out to labour required better food. Now, they are mindful of the fact that tending livestock, fetching water from the well and keeping the home clean was also labour intensive.

Kasuba points out that chores outside in the fields are done collectively and when they are finished they collect firewood on the way back. She says that her son returns from school at 2:00 in the afternoon and after his meal, goes out to fetch water and firewood. Time was when firewood collection was considered manful enough, fetching water was strictly a woman’s job. Across the Thar Desert, the greatest mark printed in the sand by CWSA is the reason for communities to abjure the annual transmigration to join the wheat harvest and later cotton picking as a means of earning a livelihood. Their staying home means children who would otherwise have migrated with them in March and lost out two months of schooling before the summer vacations, now continue their education.

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