BAHAWALPUR: The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued to the district administration an advisory alert regarding the looming drought-like conditions in the upcoming summer season in Cholistan.

Dawn learnt that with the issuance of the alert, the Bahawalpur district administration, Cholistan Development Authority (CDA), Rescue 1122, civil defence, livestock, health and other related government departments have started measures to thwart the threat.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that in pursuance of the PDMA`s advisory, Bahawalpur Deputy Commissioner Dr Farhan Farooq has formed a committee comprising Yazman AC, rescue and safety officer, and Cholistan Development Authority OSD.

The committee has been directed toexamine any possibility of drought conditions in Cholistan and ensure the adequate supply and provision of drinking water both for humans and animals, diet for humans and fodder availability for their herds in the vast desert.

It may be recalled that in the absence of rainfall in Choilistan during the recently concluded winter season, the temperature in the vast desert was gradually increasing, posing a threat to the local inhabitants in respect of their food and water supply issues for both livestock and humans.

According to reports, the water level in the thousands of open ponds (tobas) in Cholistan has already started receding while the green bushes and grass at some of the left-over vast meadows have also turned dry creating abnormal conditions for the Cholistanis even during the month of March.

This warranted emergency measures to be taken by the administration forthe locals and their cattle heads during the coming days.