Tharparkar declared disaster-hit as drought destroys 90% of crops

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has decided to declare Tharparkar a disaster-hit district following severe drought conditions, with reports indicating that between 85 and 90 per cent of crops across the district have been destroyed.

The decision was taken after a briefing on Saturday revealed that drought-like conditions had affected all seven talukas of Tharparkar, causing extensive damage to agriculture and natural vegetation.

According to the Agriculture Extension Department, approximately 90 per cent of crops have suffered damage due to inadequate and irregular rainfall.

The briefing was told that only 1mm to 36mm of rain was recorded across the district’s seven talukas in September 2026.

The low and uneven rainfall caused crops and natural grasses to dry up before reaching maturity.

Expressing concern over the situation, Chief Minister Muraf Ali Shah directed the authorities to ensure an uninterrupted supply of drinking water to residents and immediately repair non-functional water treatment plants to provide clean drinking water to resident.

The chief minister also ordered the restoration of all existing water supply sources to address the shortage.

Murad Ali Shah directed the chief secretary to examine the feasibility of laying a water supply pipeline from Naukot to Mithi and develop a long-term plan to ensure a sustainable supply of water to the district.

He also sought recommendations on measures to protect livestock from the effects of the drought.

The chief minister assured residents that the provincial government would not abandon drought-affected communities and would extend all possible assistance to them.