Clean Drinking Water Issues
Amid the challenges this year, access to clean water still stands as one of the biggest issues faced by the citizens of Tharparkar. A staggering 70% of the district’s 1.6 million residents grapple with the absence of safe drinking water, compelling them to rely on stored rainwater—a precarious source often tainted with toxins and pollutants. Contaminated water sources have precipitated a health emergency, with the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis reaching alarming levels. These diseases, exacerbated by the lack of clean water and proper sanitation, have placed an unbearable burden on Tharparkar’s already strained healthcare infrastructure.
Tragically, the water-related health crisis has claimed the lives of over 3,000 children in recent years, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Additionally, the daily struggle for water remains a taxing ordeal, with villagers dedicating 4-6 hours to retrieve 50-60 liters of water from distant dug-wells.
However, in certain areas of Tharparkar, viable solutions are within reach. Installing handpumps can provide a lifeline, potentially benefiting 40 to 60 families and their livestock. With an estimated cost of Rs. 60,000 Rs to 65,000 for a handpump covering 60 to 70 sq. ft., hundreds of livelihoods can be improved significantly.
Lastly, despite periodic governmental interventions, tangible relief remains much needed for Tharparkar’s people. This requires investigative commissions, and proposed emergency measures to be taken at priority. As we reflect on these challenges, the pressing water issues of Tharparkar underscore the urgent need for concerted action, prioritizing the well-being of these people.
