Understanding Water Scarcity in the Socio-Cultural Context in Thar Desert of Pakistan

Water is the most important element of human life. It is a necessity which is not just an essential means of survival but it is also socially and culturally important in many regions. Scarcity of water is the challenge which is faced globally these days and more rigorously by the inhabitants of less urbanized settings. Climate changes, environmental changes and human way of living are the few factors disrupting the natural balance and causing shortage of resources, most importantly water. This paper seeks to develop an understanding of the relationship that people of Thar desert have with their environment and resources, specifically water, and the way in which anomalies like resource scarcity affect the social and cultural aspects of people’s lives. This research builds on the argument that water is not just a necessity without which people would die in Thar, rather it is ingrained in every aspect of their lives; from their daily routines to culture and religion as well. The findings of this study develop an understanding of profound impacts that the scarcity of water has upon on the society and provides a basis for government organizations and NGOs for taking necessary measures to lessen the water scarcity in the area.