Sir: Whenever media captures the grave situation of Tharparkar, many political and social workers become overactive to project themselves. The current situation in Thar is a continuation of government’s ignorance and negligence. Knowing that Thar depends on rain for sustenance, which is always few and far between, the government rarely makes arrangement for an adequate supply of food and drinking water. The result is acute drought. According to media reports some 194 children had died in the district hospital Mithi due to drought. It is not the first time that Thar has faced such a terrible drought. According to the government record, Thar had encountered a similar situation in 1968, 1978, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2004 and 2005. In the same vein the literacy rate of Tharparkar is less than 19 percent, which is not less than a tragedy for this ill-fated district. Tharparkar is one of Pakistan’s poorest districts, spreading over nearly 20,000 square kilometres and is home to some 1.3 million people, including a large population of Hindus.The Thari demands that an authority be established for planning so that the prospect of such a dreadful drought could be curtailed in future. SUNIL GURIROTharparkar