Pakistan: Integrated Water Resources Management Practises in Greater and Lesser Cholistan

The Pakistan Water Partnership (PWP) as part of Global Water Partnership (GWP), undertook a project in the desert area. PWP demonstrated 22 bio sand water filters in interior Cholistan with the support of the newly created organisation Bahawalpur Area Water Partnership (AWP). They also trained community members to prepare filters at their home using locally available materials. Additionally, 12 of the 25 target villages were provided with mineral mix and medicines. The reason behind was the high rate of ill cattle, cause by unclean water as the water is often contaminated and cause diseases. To decrease the level of infection, PWP distributed medicines and mineral mix to enhance the animals’ milk protection. PWP also distributed ORS and Aqua Tablets to 12 target villages. Moreover, soap making was introduced and taught to two villages. The PWP also visited a number of institutions and government organisations to discuss its initiatives. For instance, the Cholistan Development Autority (CDA) was visited and they provided information about the status of the tobas. 14 installed tobas were also studied during field visits. In connection to the project, members of PWP also took part in the Cholistan Peace Mela, a multi-stakeholder event where, among other things, the involved communities were given the opportunity to interact with local government representatives. At the event the Bahawalpur Area Water Partnership (AWP) was also launched.

The CDC organized the launch of Bahawalpur AWP with the active participation of civil society, government, private and public sectors from Bahawalpur at the Peace Mela. Several distinguished speakers from public society were present at the event. The mela provided an opportunity for the Cholistan and Bahawalpur local communities to interact with the local administration members in an informal setting. Promotional materials like display booths educated participants about organizations’ mandates and services available to the public. Each household owned more than 100 cattle, mainly cows and goats. According to the availability of water and fodder, families seasonally migrate from one area to other. However, unavailability of clean water and dry conditions result in many diseases in camels and cows. PWP distributed medicines and mineral mix in 13 villages to enhance the animal milk production.