Improving Economic Perspective of Tharparkar Through Mobility and Linkages

 
 
 

Tharparkar, also known as Thar, is a district in the province of Sindh. The region is a tropical desert with high temperatures during the day with low precipitation. By looking at the drought and famine conditions in Thar, it was recommended in 1987 that only increased mobility and linkages of Thar with other cities such as Karachi and Hyderabad could change the condition. If the development did not happen in Thar, inequality would have increased in the society, as only a few could afford four-wheel drives. It was in the era of 2000-2008 when the road-building program commenced. It made transportation much easier and cheaper, and old trucks that consumed a lot of energy were replaced by normal trucks that are affordable for many people.                                                                                                          

After the road network development, the distances between cities were reduced. The cost of petrol/diesel and vehicle maintenance was reduced by 20 percent. Moreover, trade and commerce increased substantially. The fruits and vegetables are now transported to distant markets, adding to the economic growth of Pakistan. There were barely any general stores that carried industrially produced goods. After road development, household food has multiplied, and cattle markets are also available.

Good quality transportation services, such as air-conditioned buses and cars, are also established, making it easier for people to have exposure to larger cities. Earlier, there were no mechanics or spare parts for cars available in Thar, but after constructing the road networks, cars and qingiqs have completely replaced the animal carts that can easily be bought on loans. However, these vehicles do not have insurance, as many people cannot afford it. Many people also do not know how to drive trucks as the road development took place later; thus, a driving school is necessary. Some of the other impacts are:

Change in lifestyle

Roads have supported people in fulfilling their needs and aspirations. The old vehicles have been turned into water tankers that are portable. It is preferred as the water can easily be delivered through roads which many families often share. Access to healthcare units has also increased. There is a rise in employment as many men go out to work easily, and hygiene is also improved through hospital visits. Moreover, the sense of dressing and food quality has improved with awareness and exposure. The number of shops has increased, and communication is better. All these reasons have made people more accepting of the world.

Livelihoods

In most villages, many people are engaged in agriculture for work. However, many people in Thar are skilled in embroidery and weaving and can produce carpets, shawls, kurtas, blankets, etc. These are in great demand, especially in cities. Previously, access to these villages was difficult, but with the construction of the road networks, the people started businesses, resulting in better incomes. It has also led to women’s empowerment as they work side by side and are less independent of men. Moreover, tourism has expanded in Thar as international and local people have started visiting more through the road network. The market is automatically expanded, and an in-flow of money is coming through. Overall, the livelihood is better in Thar due to the road network.

Agriculture

Roads have positively impacted the agriculture sector in Thar. The feed of animals is cheaper to transport, and trucks can also be used to move the animals around. Roads have encouraged using tractors for plowing and making the land more productive. Climate change has changed the rain patterns in Thar, and due to better quality soil and fertilizers along with machines, it is easier to save production.

Education

With the building of roads, people are now willing to send their children to school, even if they are in the neighboring village. The demand for private schools has increased in Thar as the younger generation is inclined towards being electricians and plumbers rather than working in agriculture. With growing development, employment opportunities will also increase in the area.

Way forward

Thar is the biggest district in Sindh with a lot of potential and population. By just building a road network, a lot of improvement can be seen in the lifestyle and livelihoods of people. The government should further invest in the area’s development as people are willing to achieve a better lifestyle. Training centers and schools are required so that the youth can find better jobs in cities and earn more. With urbanisation, the land under cultivation is decreasing, so government should also incentivize people to continue agriculture as it is fertile land with a lot of potentials. Since it is still developing, the area can be planned strategically. Building the road network also encourages migration, which may not be good in the future. Hence, Thar should be sufficient for the population to live comfortably. Due to more transportation, driving licenses and insurance must be given to people for safety.

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IMARAT Institute of Policy Studies

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