Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif has taken notice of the media reports suggesting a drought like situation in Cholistan.
The media had reported that after drought hit the district of Tharparkar in Sindh, a similar situation seems to be developing in Cholistan.
With no regular rainfall since 2010, the vegetation and livestock in the desert are under threat – the remains of animals that have died of hunger and thirst dot the landscape of Cholistan.
Migrations have begun to other areas as grazing lands are parched and as fodder becomes scarce. Moreover, reservoirs of water have dried up due to extreme aridity.
An alternative water distribution system is in place in Cholistan but this system is closed for the last six years.
Taking notice of the situation the CM has summoned report from Cholistan Development Authority about the situation there.
He has also constituted a high level committee, comprising provincial ministers, chief secretary, BOR member and others, and asked them to proceed to Cholistan and to submit report.