EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In the wake of this emergent need of drinking water, the teams of CHCS under the supervision of the undersigned embarked upon the task of digging of water wells for the people of Tharparkar and has been able to dig and complete more than 600 wells of fresh, sweet and hygienic water during the last 5 years. These water wells have gone a long way in improving the socioeconomic conditions of the people of Tharparkar in general and health of women and children in particular. These water wells on one hand are providing ample fresh, sweet and hygienic and drinking as well as useable water to the thousands of people and animals of Tharparkar on daily basis at their door steps and on the other hand, they have also provided livelihood to the hundreds of families of Thar involved in digging and construction of these water wells.

These water wells are also quenching the thirst of thousands of animals which are far more abundant than people in the Thar. Raising cattle, camels, sheep and goats is the mainstay of the local population. There are 4.6 million animals in Tharparkar, according to the official 2012 livestock census, accounting for 21% of nation’s total livestock. In view of the above, it was also important to provide drinking water to the animals also. CHCS has also built water troughs besides every well for the animals where herds of animals like cattle, animals and flocks of birds including beautiful peacocks come regularly to quench their thirst.

 

Literally as well as figuratively, water is the basis of life. It is critical for survival of human, animal and plant life, sustainable development and environmental integrity. Safe drinking water is the foremost and most fundamental human need and is instrumental in alleviation of poverty and indispensable for human health and well-being. Some geographical regions are richly endowed with sources of water by Mother Nature, yet there are others, which are dry and availability of water is costly, requiring efforts for drilling. In the present day world, it is only the most backward and underdeveloped countries which are unable to provide this facility to all its inhabitants, no matter how remote, and no matter what the topography. This precious resource, which is taken for granted by the bulk of humanity, still remains scarce in some dry and sandy areas, which are prone to droughts and famines. As Benjamin Franklin said, when the well’s dry, we know the worth of water…

The Tharparkar district, spreads over 22,000 square kilometers, is a chronically poor area with an estimated population of 1.5 million. Of these, 95 % live in around 2,200 villages. Thar is part of Pakistan which is often hit by drought as there are no rains over the years and shortage of water is the main concern which leads to malnutrition, disease and eventually culminating in death also as is evident from the news of deaths of infants/children every year. In Tharparkar, dug-wells have been found to be the only sustainable source of safe drinking water. Most of the time women and young girls are responsible for carrying water in Thar. Young children often have to forego their education due to responsibility of fetching water from water sources situated far and wide. Due to scarcity of water and non-existence of water resources in their own Goths (Villages) the women and young girls have to travel long distances daily to fetch water from far flung areas. During a normal day, villagers spend around four to six hours on average to fetch four to five pots (50 to 60 liters) of water from water sources, situated far and wide.

Tharparkar was hit by drought during the year 2014 and many children died due to malnutrition and disease.  There was a great hue and cry during this period and many local and regional NOGs reached Tharparkar and held medical and relief camps for the people of Thar.  The water shortage has been one of the main concerns of people of Thar and due to this other problems also came to surface. In this backdrop, the teams of Customs Health Care Society under the supervision of the undersigned also reached Tharparkar during June 2014 and held number of medical and relief camps in various parts of Tharparkar in which relief goods worth millions of rupees were distributed. Medical treatment was also provided to the hundreds of poor and needy people of Thar. During this period, wherever the teams of Customs Health Care Society (CHCS)(a non-government, non-profit, charitable organization)went in Tharparkar, the people of Tharparkar.

Water is the driver of Nature. (Leonardo da Vinci)

THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFE DRINKING WATER

Water is the driver of Nature. (Leonardo da Vinci)

 

Literally as well as figuratively, water is the basis of life. It is critical for survival of human, animal and plant life, sustainable development and environmental integrity. Safe drinking water is the foremost and most fundamental human need and is instrumental in alleviation of poverty and indispensable for human health and well-being. Some geographical regions are richly endowed with sources of water by Mother Nature, yet there are others, which are dry and availability of water is costly, requiring efforts for drilling. In the present day world, it is only the most backward and underdeveloped countries which are unable to provide this facility to all its inhabitants, no matter how remote, and no matter what the topography. This precious resource, which is taken for granted by the bulk of humanity, still remains scarce in some dry and sandy areas, which are prone to droughts and famines. As Benjamin Franklin said, when the well’s dry, we know the worth of water…

The Tharparkar district, spreads over 22,000 square kilometers, is a chronically poor area with an estimated population of 1.5 million. Of these, 95 % live in around 2,200 villages.  Thar is part of Pakistan which is often hit by drought as there are no rains over the years and shortage of water is the main concern which leads to malnutrition, disease and eventually culminating in death also as is evident from the news of deaths of infants/children every year. In Tharparkar, dug-wells have been found to be the only sustainable source of safe drinking water. Most of the time women and young girls are responsible for carrying water in Thar. Young children often have to forego their education due to responsibility of fetching water from water sources situated far and wide. Due to scarcity of water and non-existence of water resources in their own Goths (Villages) the women and young girls have to travel long distances daily to fetch water from far flung areas. During a normal day, villagers spend around four to six hours on average to fetch four to five pots (50 to 60 liters) of water from water sources, human beings which is not accessible by major areas around the world. It became a global issue for the entire world particularly for developing countries. World population is growing day by day while clear water is not enough to meet the demand of growing population. Serious threats of water shortage were addressed in different developing countries; according to WHO & UNICEF 768 million people 11% of global population still use unsafe drinking water. Inadequate access to safe water coupled with poor hygiene practices, kills and sickens thousands of children every day, leading to impoverishment and diminished opportunities. Hundreds of children have died in Thar due to malnutrition and infections during the last 5 years. 30 children died in Thar in the months of November and December, 2017 due to malnutrition and other diseases. Water is the basic necessity of life but it is the dilemma of our society that a major chunk of country’s population is running down from clean drinking water and the reports of WHO, reveal that the water supplied to the citizens of many parts of the country is contaminated and not fit for human consumption. According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), 20 to 40 % patients mainly the children suffering from water borne diseases are admitted in the hospitals. Unfortunately, most of the water sources are contaminated and no proper mechanism exits whereby poor people could get clean and uncontaminated water.

Brief Introduction of Project Area

 

• Thar Desert region covers vast area of Pakistan and India stretching from Cholistan to Nangar Parkar in Pakistan and Haryana to Rajasthan in India. Tharparkar which is the part of Pakistan have four Tuluk as or tehsils, Water wells with storage tanks
• Solar operated water wells
• Water wells with submersible pumps and diesel generators
• Deep bored hand pumps
• Ordinary hand pumps

(Annex 3 photos showing different types of wells)

Water Wells without any Discrimination

 

The mission of CHCS is to help the humanity in distress without any discrimination of colour, creed or even religion. The population of Thar consists of Hindus and Muslims. Both of the communities are living in harmony and peace since centuries[1]. There has never been any communal conflict or riot. The area of Thar presents a beautiful example of co-existence between this different religious communities. There are Goths in Thar when 100% inhabitants belong to Hindu community. CHCS has built wells in many Hindu Goths. The selection of a well site is purely based upon need basis and non-availability of nearby water source. Among the 600 water wells completed no far more than 200 water wells have been built in the Goths of Hindus belonging to low casts like, Kohli, Baghwar, Bheland others. Whenever the relief goods are sent to Thar, these are distributed equally among the Hindus and Muslims. The Hindus of Thar are satisfied with the performance of CHCS in the project areas.

Brick By Brick Water Wells

 

The water wells in Thar are often built brick by brick. The average diameter of a well ranges from 3-6 feet. Once the digging is started, the walls of the well (lined with bricks in a symmetrical fashion) are lifted from above to downwards step by step. Stones are also used instead of bricks in case of more sandy and hard areas. Some of the wells are completed with cemented walls. A team of 4-5 laborers start digging the well with the help of locally manufactured gadgets. The digging is done step by step and foot by foot. The digging becomes more and more difficult when the labourers come across a stony layer which is very hard to break. In such situation, only 1-2feet digging is possible throughout the whole day. Normally the digging goes smoothly but rarely the walls of the well collapse resulting into injuries and sometimes burying alive of the masons/labourers working deep down in the well[2].

Normally at the end of digging, the finding of wet soil and sand is a welcome sign. It signals that water is near. Digging is continued for 4-5 feet more, the fresh water gushes out, the mason insides the well tastes the water and breaks the news screaming loudly from more than 100 feet depth. The villagers happily pull up the rope, the mason comes out with a bucket full of water and shares this with those standing at the edge of the well. The 2017 census, is 1.6 million people. During the last 15 years there has been an exponential growth with the increase in population around 10 folds. New villages (or commonly known as Goths) have sprouted near big establishments such as Umarkot, Mithi, Nangar Parkar, Dilpo and Chachro. Tharparkar District is one of twenty three districts of Sindh province in Pakistan. Its headquarters is at Mithi. It has the lowest Human Development Index of all districts in Sindh and comprises of a total area of 22,000 sq. km[3].

Purpose of Study

 

Customs Health Care Society started and implemented a project of drinking water wells to provide clean and safe drinking water in several Goths (villages) of Islamkot, Diplo, Nangar Parkar, Mithi, Chachro of district Tharparkar and some other areas of Sindh. Before starting the project in the year 2014 baseline survey was conducted and end-line survey was carried out at the completion of project to assess the change and impact on the socioeconomic conditions of the people of Thar. The water wells were dug in many Goths of Thar situated far and wide. Detail of the wells in different Tehsils and other areas of Sindh is given in (Annex-2).

Introduction of Customs Health Care Society (CHCS)

Customs Health Care Society (CHCS) is an NGO duly recognized and approved by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Government of Pakistan. Established by Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah in 1998 as a non-profit organization, the primary objective of the CHCS was to provide free medical facilities to indigent patients as also to create among them an awareness of preventive measures in respect of common but widespread diseases. With a modest beginning and relying mainly on its own resources, the CHCS has ever since been growing and developing thereby extending enlarged medical facilities to its mainly resource less clientele[4].

Initially, its scope of activities was confined to Lahore and suburbs. However, with the hard work put in by a dedicated team of volunteers, which included specialist doctors and social workers, its fame spread and soon it started attracting in large numbers men, women and children stricken with ignorance, poverty and disease from all over the Punjab, Azad Kashmir& other provinces of Pakistan. At present 28 clinics in all four provinces of Pakistan one charity hospital in Lahore, ten primary schools and as many community centers are being run by CHCS. CHCS is also working globally for the care and welfare of Syrian refugees migrated to Turkey and Rohingya Muslims living in relief camps in Bangladesh. A consignment of blankets and cloths was sent to Iran for the earthquake affectees of Karman Shah.

Government of Pakistan, recognizing the services rendered by CHCS under the leadership of Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah has also awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2016.

Methodology

 

Same methodology is used for both baseline and end line survey. Structures questioner and focused group discussion methods were used to collect the data. The baseline questioner with some additions was used and discussion conducted with different interest groups to capture the realistic data. Monitoring and evaluation team along with external enumerators collected the data from 50% beneficiaries from different Goths in areas of Tharparkar where the wells have been dug by CHCS. As the project of digging of wells is still being implemented and spread to the new Goths of Thar, the baseline and end line surveys are also being extended.

Selection of a Site for Drinking Water Well

Thar is one of the most beautiful desert of the world. Most of the area is sandy and covered by bushes of different colours and sizes. Timely rain turns parts of the Thar into lush green fields. The sprouting of different sort of bushes, plants, trees and wild desert flowers add to the mesmerizing beauty of Thar[5].

Digging of well is an age old process. The selection of site of the well is of tremendous importance. At the time of selection of place, the elders of the Goths gather, Hindus and Muslims jointly pray for fresh and sweet water. Then they circle around a particular area and four to five (4-5) wooden sticks are put deep in the soil. The sticks are placed at a distance of 3-10 feet. They wait for 5-10 minutes & again check the sticks. Now among the five sticks, the place where the stick has gone deep down is selected for digging. Three feet diameter circle is made around the place. At this particular moment, the Hindu women come forward with a plate filled with sugar and mix it with the sand of the selected place of well. It has been observed during the last 4.5 years that place selected through this process often yields good result and sweet water emerges from the site once the digging is complete. More than 90% of the wells completed by CHCS are of sweet water and quenching the thirst of thousands of human as well as animals of Thar on daily basis. (Photos of wells from start to the end (Annex-3).

Types of Wells

• Ordinary water wells
• Cement walled wells
• Bricks wall wells
• Solar operated water wells
• Water wells with submersible pumps and diesel generators
• Deep bored hand pumps
• Ordinary hand pumps

(Annex 3 photos showing different types of wells)

Water Wells without any Discrimination

 

The mission of CHCS is to help the humanity in distress without any discrimination of colour, creed or even religion. The population of Thar consists of Hindus and Muslims. Both of the communities are living in harmony and peace since centuries[6]. There has never been any communal conflict or riot. The area of Thar presents a beautiful example of co-existence between this different religious community. There are Goths in Thar when 100% inhabitants belong to Hindu community. CHCS has built wells in many Hindu Goths. The selection of a well site is purely based upon need basis and non-availability of nearby water source. Among the 600 water wells completed no far more than 200 water wells have been built in the Goths of Hindus belonging to low casts like, Kohli, Baghwar, Bheland others. Whenever the relief goods are sent to Thar, these are distributed equally among the Hindus and Muslims. The Hindus of Thar are satisfied with the performance of CHCS in the project areas.

Brick By Brick Water Wells

 

The water wells in Thar are often built brick by brick. The average diameter of a well ranges from 3-6 feet. Once the digging is started, the walls of the well (lined with bricks in a symmetrical fashion) are lifted from above to downwards step by step. Stones are also used instead of bricks in case of more sandy and hard areas. Some of the wells are completed with cemented walls. A team of 4-5 laborers start digging the well with the help of locally manufactured gadgets. The digging is done step by step and foot by foot. The digging becomes more and more difficult when the labourers come across a stony layer which is very hard to break. In such situation, only 1-2feet digging is possible throughout the whole day. Normally the digging goes smoothly but rarely the walls of the well collapse resulting into injuries and sometimes burying alive of the masons/labourers working deep down in the well[7].

Normally at the end of digging, the finding of wet soil and sand is a welcome sign. It signals that water is near. Digging is continued for 4-5 feet more, the fresh water gushes out, the mason insides the well tastes the water and breaks the news screaming loudly from more than 100 feet depth. The villagers happily pull up the rope, the mason comes out with a bucket full of water and shares this with those standing at the edge of thewomen come with sweet and celebrate the occasion by distributing the same among the labourers and children gathered at the site of well. Though the sweet water has emerged but still the process is not complete. 3-6 feet wooden frame is pulled down at the bottom of the well which acts as a geo membrane and sucks all the impurities from the water which is drawn out from the well. After adjusting the wooden frame deep down the well, the upper portion of the well is constructed. A trough is also built for the animals where water that is spilled out over during the filling of pitchers is stored. A unique phenomenon is often witnessed in Thar. As soon as the news of the new water well spreads in the Goth, the animals including the beautiful peacocks rush to the site to quench their thirst. A wooden cover is also placed on the well in order to protect it from external articles including animals etc. The well after completion is handed over to the people of the Goth the external walls of the well are colorfully painted and a plaque is installed for dedication of the well in line with the directions of donors. An elder from the Goth is made in change of the well whose main responsibility is to keep posted the team of the CHCS in Thar about the smooth running of the well. He also informs the representative of CHCS in case some repair or maintenance work which is done immediately. (Annex-4) photos of Brick walled wells).

Supervision and Monitoring of Wells

 

CHCS is involved in digging and completion of fresh water wells in Thar for the last 4.5 years. More and more new wells are being dug regularly as people from all over the globe are sending their donations for wells to be built for Aisal-e-sawab and a source of Sadqa-e-Jaria for their parents and other loved ones[8].

CHCS has also introduced a unique system of supervision and monitoring of water wells. An elder of the Goth is made in change of the well who reports to the team of CHCS in case of any complaint regarding smooth running of the well. This voluntary in change is also paid some amount so that he is vigilant and keeps an eye on functioning of the well. Once reported, the team of CHCS rushes to the site, the repair work is done immediately to restart the well. Due to this supervision and monitoring most of the wells dug by CHCS are running smoothly and providing fresh water to the thousands of humans as well as animals of Thar on daily basis. A Performa has been designed for the supervisors for inspection and reporting. A copy of Performa in respect of inspections of one well is given as under Repair of old Wells

 

There are centuries old water wells in Thar. The famous well of Marvi is almost 500 years old and still providing water. A well dug and completed with utmost care and passion can remain operational for more than hundred years. The elders of the Goths can easily tell the age of water well. CHCS is also involved in the repair as well as maintenance of age old water wells which have been providing sweet water to the people of Thar since centuries. Many old wells in different Goths of Thar have been duly repaired and are now being maintained by CHCS.

Donations and Dedications of Wells

 

The CHCS received tremendous response for wells from the philanthropists from Pakistan and abroad. Digging of well and quenching the thirst of the thirsty humans as well as animals is regarded as one of the sacred virtues in Islam. There are various Hadith of the Holy Prophet in which the importance of well and quenching the thirst if thirsty has been emphasized upon. Digging of a well in the name of someone for Aisale-sawab is considered as a great source of Sadqa-e-Jaria and swab. In response to the campaign launched by CHCS for water wells in Thar, friends of CHCS in Pakistan and abroad responded positively and sent their donations for digging of wells in the name of their parents or loved ones. The water wells after completion are dedicated to the names of their parents and other loved one. The water wells have been dedicated to the names of Allah, Holy Prophet & other personalities. More than600 wells completed so far by CHCS are daily quenching the thirst of thousands of humans as well as animals[9]. Customs Health Care Society has also dug wells in the name of Allah Karim and in the name of our beloved Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

A well has also been dug in the name of third Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Usman Ghani (May Allah be pleased with Him) who was the first to dedicate a well for the Muslims after purchasing it from a Jew. The following wells have also been dedicated to the names of great personalities of our times. A well has also been dedicated to the martyrs of Karbala, Hazrat Imam Hussain (May Allah be pleased with Him) and his great companions who laid down their in the name of Allah and for Islam.

• Great Humanitarian, Abdul Sattar Edhi
• Ruth Pfao, the great doctor and mother of hundreds of Leprosy Patients
• The students and staff of Army Public School
• Junaid Jamshaid Shaheed
• Usama Waraich Shaheed
• The police officers who got martyred in Lahore
• One of our donors, Late Mr. Aziz ur Rehman of Sharjah
• One of the donors dedicated one well in the name of Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah & workers of Customs Health Care Society. (Annex-5 photos of wells with dedications)

The wells are dug wherever they are required. The place is selected without any discrimination of colour, creed or religion. More than half of the wells have been dug in the Goths where the Hindus community is living in majority. The donors also include number of persons from UK, USA, Canada and other foreign countries. One of our foreign donor, Mr. Kathy James from Virginia, USA also sponsored a solar operated water well[10].

Campaign for Water Wells

 

CHCS launched a vigorous campaign on print and as well electronic and social media in order to urge the philanthropists to come forward and provide funds for digging and completion of more and more wells. The campaign was supported by eminent column writers and scholars who wrote columns appreciating the work done by CHCS to improve the plight of people of Thar. Face book pages, twitter and other social media helped CHCS a lot in spreading the message and resultantly getting more funds for more wells. The following Face book pages are still available and Face book lovers regularly likes and comments on posts by CHCS. They also provide funds for more wells. (Annex-6 Advertisement for wells).

• Customs Health Care Society, Pakistan
• Customs Health Care Society, Tharparkar
• Thar relief by Customs Health Care Society
• Drinking water wells for people of Thar

The following books written by the undersigned also proved helpful in spreading the message.

1. Sindh Sailab and Zindgi
2. Thar Payas aur Pani Photo of title of the book)

At the time of printing of first edition of Thar, Payas aur Pani only 35 wells were completed. This book helped a lot in spreading the message and by the time of printing of 2^nd edition of book in January 2017, more than 300 wells have already been completed. Alhamdulillah more than 600 wells have been dug so far. The work on more wells is in progress as funds are still pouring in to provide uninterrupted supply of water to the drought hit population of Thar. A brief review on Thar, Payas aur Pani is given below:

FINDINGS/ CONCLUSION

Water Wells at the Doorsteps

 

Before the implementation of project CHCS conducted a baseline survey, which shows that 70% beneficiaries had no access to clean drinking water and they had been using unclean source of water for drinking and cooking for which the women and children have to travel long distances in order to fetch water for their families. 600 water wells completed by CHCS in different Goths of all four tehsils as well as in Umar Kot and other areas of Sindh are at present providing the fresh drinking water to thousands of inhabitants of Thar as well as animals at their doorsteps on daily basis.

 

 

Distance to water source:

Before the execution of project 90% of the people were fetching water from 1 -3 km, 45% people from a distance of 3 – 5 km and 15% from more than 5 km. But after completion of this project the figures started coming down and now majority of people fetch water from less than 100 Meters, 7% from 200 Meters and 18% from a distance of 300 Meters. No one needs to travel a distance more than 500 meters. The digging of more than 600 water wells has a great impact on the health of women and children who previously has to cover long distances to bring water for their families.

Revolving Water Pitchers

CHCS introduced another innovation in the form of water wheelos which can be best termed as revolving pitchers. One water wheelo can carry more than 40 liters of water which is almost equal to 6 small pitchers. The women of Thar are extremely happy to get water wheelos along with drinking water wells at their doorsteps because it has brought revolutionary change in their life. They have not to travel long distances with 2 to 3 water pitchers on their head. This was resulting into chronic back pain including complaints of Ankylosing spondylitis. A Water wheelo with 40 liters of water can be easily pulled away by a small child with much ease and comfort. It has been specially designed for movement on the sandy land of Thar. A number of Thar women were interviewed during this study. All of them were happy to get water wells at their doorsteps and the addition of water wheelo have provided them much comfort and ease. (Annex – 7) Photos of water Wheelo).

 

Impact on Women

The above chart indicates that mostly the women (82%) in Thar used to cover long distances to collect water from the distant water sources.

As per the graph 82% adult women are responsible for collecting water from source. All household work including cooking, wood collection, cleaning, washing of cloths, etc. is also being done by the women. These deprived and oppressed women are the major beneficiaries of this project, who are now saving a major portion of their time and spend the same to look after their children and families. Before the implementation of the project women spent a major portion of their time for fetching water from water resources, situated far and wide. The pregnant women were facing complications during pregnancy due to carrying of filled water pitchers on their heads. The incidents of miscarriage were also reported in few cases. They also used to complain of number of other health problems. Fetching water from long distance from water source in hot weather was very painful and tiresome for these women. As per the baseline 60% of respondents were spending 2 to 4 hours of their daily time for water collection and now these women spend the saved time with their children and in other household activities. This has gone a long way in improving their health and also making family life happy.

General Health Impact

 

The digging and completion of more than 600 water wells in Thar has improved the health conditions of people of Thar. The water borne diseases including Diarrhea and cholera are on the decrease. Previously, most of the people of Thar were using contaminated water. Before the project, 50% children of Thar were suffering from diarrhoea, cholera and other water borne diseases. But after provision of clean drinking water from the water wells the ratio of prevalence of diarrhoea, cholera and other diseases has decreased to less than 2%. This variable shows the immediate effect of the project, which on one hand has minimized the health expenditure of the beneficiaries and on the other hand it has also increased the school attendance ratio among children particularly the girls who previously have to forego their education as most of their time was spent in fetching of water from sources, situated far and wide.

Health Care Clinics Schools and Community Centers in Thar by Customs Health Care Society (CHCS)

Besides the digging and completion of water wells, the CHCS has also established small health clinics in the project areas which are providing quality medical care to the inhabitants of Thar on daily basis. In addition to the above, medical camps are held in different Goths of Thar by team of CHCS on regular basis in which thousands of patients are given proper treatment after medical examination and clinical tests. The detail of medical and relief work so far undertaken by the teams of   CHCS in drought hit areas of Tharparkar is given as under:-

1. Completion of 600 wells of sweet, hygienic and fresh water in different Goths of Thar. The work on 50 wells is in progress
2. Establishment of five clinics which are providing medical help to the hundreds of people of Thar on regular basis for the last 4 years
3. Establishment of two Sewing and Stitching Centers for women in Diplo and Navankot, Mitthi in order to provide them livelihood
4. Distribution of Cash/gifts on different occasions
5. Treatment of 300,000 patients since March 2014 in drought stricken areas of Tharparkar
6. Continued supply and Distribution of Relief goods including ration worth millions of rupees
7. Installation of deep bored100 hand pumps
8. Establishment of five Customs Health Care Society Primary Schools in Tharparkar
9. Ramazan & Eid packages every year
10. Winter package distribution
11. Qurbani & meat distribution among Muslims as well as Hindus at the time of Eid-ul-Zuha

Benefits Perceived by the Community

 

A team of Customs Health Care Society permanently resides in Thar to personally monitor and supervise the digging of new wells and maintenance of old wells. The beneficiaries of the project always welcome our team in their Goths. They are satisfied with the provision of sweet drinking water at their doorsteps. During the visits of CHCS teams in project areas, 80% beneficiaries showed full satisfaction on getting water wells at their doorsteps.

There have been various positive impacts on the life of people of Therewith the implementation of clean drinking water project. 70% of the target population saved time and resources previously spent in bringing water from distant water sources. 70% of the women and children feel more security due to the water sources within their immediate vicinities and door steps. 50% of the population demonstrated improved living conditions due to better health and improved socioeconomic conditions as this project has not only provided sweet drinking water to them but also a source of earning for those involved in digging and construction of wells.

Utility of the Project

 

The establishment of water wells has brought a revolutionary change in the life of people of Thar. The sweet drinking water is being used for drinking and also for domestic purposes. The people of Thar in general and women in particular used to take baths in months due to shortage of water but now with the availability of water at their doorsteps they are more concerned about their personal hygiene and cleanliness. Now they take baths regularly and thus looking their personal hygiene. Some of the inhabitants of Thar have started cultivating their lands. They have grown small lush green fields with the help of water from these wells.

(Annex-08 Photos of green fields)

Environmental Impact

 

District Tharparkar is one of the most vulnerable area to environmental impacts. From the last five years they are facing severe shortage of rain water. Due to the impacts of climate change the rain is limited to 100mm only while at least 400 mm of rain is required year for growing of food crops. CHCS provided environmental compliant water wells to the people of Thar. The targeted communities were facing severe shortage of food from the last years but after the implementation of the project and availability of water, some of the beneficiaries also started cultivating their lands and growing vegetables and other crops for their household use near the wells which has decreased the emission of green gases and on the other hand also increased access to food crops.

Transparency and Accountability

 

The digging and completion of water wells in Thar is done through a proper channel. The channel includes community mobilization, need assessment process and formation of water user association from the local community. The project sites are selected after consultation with the local community. According to community, the representative of CHCS continue visiting the project sites at different stages of time during and after completion of project. The community is very grateful to CHCS for giving such remarkable water source. According to research water shortage is the major problem in Tharparkar which affects the community badly; CHCS took the problem in account, started work on it and successfully accomplished the objectives of providing safe drinking water to the people of Thar thus improving their socioeconomic condition. CHCS has been very transparent and accountable for all the activities of the project before and after completion. According to community the workers of CHCS always shared with them the funding source and total budget of the project. They were also consulted regarding any change in the design of the wells.

Water Quality Test Reports

 

By the grace of Almighty Allah, the generous donations of the donors and the dedicated efforts of the workers of CHCS in collaboration with the local population, most of the water wells completed by CHCS are providing fresh, sweet and safe drinking water to thousands of humans as well as animals of Thar on regular basis. The drinking water quality standards/guideline and values recommended for safe drinking water by WHO and NEQS used as a reference to compare the analytical data are given in the table below:

Drinking water quality standards/Guidelines Values Recommended for Safe Drinking Water

Sr. #	Water Quality Parameter	Unit	WHO/NEQS Guidelines
1.	Alkalinity	m.mol/I	NGVS
2.	Bicarbonate	mg/I	NGVS
3.	Calcium	mg/I	200
4.	Chloride	mg/I	250
5.	Colour	TCU/colorless	Colorless
6.	Conductivity	micro-S/m	NGVS
7.	Hardness	mg/I	500

 

Economic Impact of new Water wells:

The digging of wells for fresh drinking water has been continuing in Thar since centuries. Most of the villager in the Goths have got special

RECOMMENDATIONS

• There is a dire need of clean and safe water in many parts of Thar. More water wells are required in other Goths of Thar, where either there is no water well or same is situated at a distant area
• As the poverty of Tharparkar is at its peak. There is no industry or agriculture to improve their livelihood and release them from the poverty trap. However their land is very productive and virgin; agriculture in Tharparkar not only can reduce the poverty of its people but also play a crucial role in increasing the GDP of Pakistan. Solar tube wells are needed to be installed at agriculture fields for providing water to crops in order to improve the socioeconomic conditions of the people of Thar.
• Almost all the households in rural Tharparkar do not have toilets, which contribute to increase in health related risks including water borne diseases. Along with the provision of safe water there is a dire need to train and motivate communities about the utilization of toilets as well. Provision of toilets to these communities would be a major contribution in their development.
• Health care facilities are non-existent in most of the Goths of Thar, there is an urgent need to open more health clinics in as many Goths as possible in order to provide health care facilities at their doorsteps.
• Most of the schools in different Goths of Thar are non-functional. There is an urgent need to restart these schools& open new schools with the help of public –private partnership.
• It is highly recommended that in any further project in the targeted areas the number of water wells should be exceeded to accommodate the drinking needs of the community and livestock. The additional amount of water should be utilized for common kitchen gardens to ensure the food security of population.
• There is also need to install water filters in the wells to reduce the excess of fluoride and other chemicals in order to save the users from tooth decoy and infections.
• One of the major objectives of the project was to ensure its sustainability. It has been observed that in case of even a little bit problem in the working of the well the community has to contact with workers of CHCS to resolve the issue. This issue could be resolved by enhancing the technical skills of at least one responsible person from each Goth. From every Goth, one person should be trained about the utilization, repair and ensure maintenance of the dug wells in order to ensure the sustainability of the project and uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water to the humans and animals of Thar on daily basis.
• Most of the Reverse Osmosis plants installed in different areas of Thar are not working. There is an urgent need to restart these plants. A supervisory mechanism is required to be introduced for smooth running of these plants on which millions of rupees have already been spent from the national exchequer.
• The poverty alleviation is another mandatory measures to improve situation in Thar and arid zones. “Economic uplift of these people is not possible without providing economic opportunities to them. They should be trained in various skills encouraging them to begin, with their own small business and become entrepreneurs. Self-employment would empower the less privileged for which the government would offer loans to the youth through micro-credit financing. “Agricultural development and industrial base in drought areas would enable people to come out of poverty nexus.

 

[1] Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, Thar Payas aur Pani (Lahore: Ilam-o-Irfan Publishers, 2017).

[2]ibid.

[3] Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, Thar Payas aur Pani (Lahore: Ilam-o-Irfan Publishers, 2017).

[4] www.customshealthcaresociety.org.pk (accessed 12 November, 2017).

[5] Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, Thar Payas aur Pani (Lahore: Ilam-o-Irfan Publishers, 2017).

[6] Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, Thar Payas aur Pani (Lahore: Ilam-o-Irfan Publishers, 2017).

[7]ibid.

[8] Dr. Asif MahmoodJah, TharPayasaurPani(Lahore: Ilam-o-Irfan Publishers, 2017).

[9] Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, Thar Payas aur Pani (Lahore: Ilam-o-Irfan Publishers, 2017).

[10] Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, Thar Payas aur Pani (Lahore: Ilam-o-Irfan Publishers, 2017).