The disaster prone area of Kachho is located in the armpit of Kheerthar mountains taluka Johi at Dadu Sindh. This particular region is known for its unique geographical, climatic and socio-economic characteristics. Half of the population of Taluka Johi is settled in the arid zone of Kachho, while the region has a long history of prolonged drought periods. A famous cold weather hill station Gorakh is also here.
The socioeconomic survival of the population is largely dependent on rainwater of the seasonal torrential rivers that flow from the kheerthar mountains extending in the province of Balochistan. Some of the famous torrential rivers include Nai Gaj, Nai Baran, Nai Nalli, Nai Angai and kukrani. These torrential rivers remain largely dry for most of the year, characterized by their rapid flow, carrying large volumes of water for a short time and then drying up for the rest of the year, resulting in wastage of a considerable amount of water, because they flow quickly to downstream and enters in Manchar Lake, one of major source of recharging the natural lake.
Lack of resources, water storage infrastructure and traditional cultivation practices, have made land growers incapable to utilize maximum rainwater of torrential rivers to gain more agriculture outputs rather wild torrential rivers disrupt community moment and livelihood activities. In the super Monsoon season, the speedy flow of torrential rivers disconnects hundreds of villages from urban headquarters creating harder conditions for the climate affected vulnerable communities.
Improper utilization of rainwater caused many challenges and issues including soil erosion and desertification due to fast-flowing torrential rivers that degraded fertility and land surface consequently thousands acres’ agriculture land turned into barren. In recent years the growing trend of massive deforestation also increased climatic vulnerability.
The underutilization of monsoon water continues to be a critical challenge for the local population that can be beneficial if a proactive and doable strategy develops to address the high risk challenges of climate change. We must understand that efficient use of rainwater not only guarantees socioeconomic prosperity for the entire district but also enhances community capacity to overcome impacts of disaster and retain in normal life.
Construction of rainwater storing points or small dams with community consultation in the region can ensure water availability for seasonal crops, making thousands of Acers barren land again cultivable lead to more agricultural production and household income.
The mega Gaj Dam project which could store and regulate torrential water flow, is facing a year’s long delay due to funding, political, and technical issues. The local community has not been engaged in the consultative process from designing to implementation pre-requisites for any mega water projects.
Largely the local community lacks collective action and strategy to advocate for rainwater conservation and community convenient effective systems at decision making level. A government supported reforestation and soil conservation plan can assist in reducing soil erosion and improve the soil’s water-holding capacity. The plantation can positively affect hard weather and improve the recharge of ground water. It is unfortunate that in the current Monsoon the people of Kachho once again prepare to experience terrible situation as heavy rains predicted.