Drought risk emerges in Cholistan after months of no rain

Authorities in Bahawalpur have warned of a potential drought situation in the Cholistan Desert after the region received no rainfall for the past seven to eight months.

Officials said several natural water basins in Cholistan are rapidly drying up, raising concerns about water availability for local communities and livestock.

In response, the district administration has mobilised resources to deal with the possible drought situation and established three control rooms to monitor developments and coordinate relief efforts. The control rooms have been set up at the Cholistan Development Authority, the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, and the office of the Assistant Commissioner in Yazman.

Authorities said water is currently being supplied to the basins through four-wheel-drive water bowsers to ensure access in remote desert areas. The administration has also decided to purchase four additional 4x4 water bowsers, which are expected to be delivered within the next few days.

Teams from the district administration and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority Punjab have been deployed in the field, while the process of identifying critically affected areas in Cholistan is ongoing.

Officials added that contingency plans have been prepared for the safe evacuation of residents if the situation worsens, and emergency measures are being put in place to address a potential water crisis in the region.