| Obtaining potable water is a big problem in Thar where there are too few wells to fulfil the needs of the desert dwellers. They have to travel over long distances to get a bucket full of water. Although there is water beneath the hot sand but the cost of digging a well is prohibitive. The lifetime earning of a Thari is less than the total expenses incurred on digging a well. And even then, there is no guarantee that the well would yield sweet potable water.
Al-Khidmat recognized this plight of the Tharis many years ago and launched its "Zam Zam project", a big well-digging project in the remote villages. Initiated in 1998, the project has so far provided more than 50 wells of potable water for the Thar is the most valuable gift of their life. The chances of getting potable water in Tharparkar are very rare. In most areas, water is either saline or too unpleasant to drink. By the grace of Allah Almighty and the sincere efforts of the Al-Khidmat volunteers, the Zamzam project has yielded remarkable results in a short time and 90 per cent of wells it has dug have borne sweet water. Digging work on another 50 wells is in progress and AKWS intends to carry out this project in maximum areas of Tharparkar in order to quench the thirst of this desert as far as possible.
The digging work of a well starts after a thorough survey to determine an appropriate location, which can cater to the needs of a number of surrounding villages. At every location, before going ahead with the actual work, the Al-Khidmat volunteers and the local villagers prostrate before their Lord, to offer Nafil prayers and beg for His Mercy to make that project a success.
Al-Khidmat has motivated the people of Thar to alleviate their plight on self-help basis. It has always encouraged community participation in the relief and social uplift projects. It provides all the material required for boring and construction of the well, and the villagers provide the labour.
On an average, one such well caters to the daily needs of around 500 people and 1200 cattle. Depending upon the depth of the well, digging and necessary material costs from Rs35,000 to Rs60,000 per well (US$600 to $1000). |
