The sands of Cholistan whisper timeless tales of resilience, etched into the shifting dunes and the parched bed of the ancient Hakra River, a legacy of the Indus Valley Civilization. This seemingly barren land cradles rich secrets, shelters rare wildlife, and sustains a unique cultural heritage. Today, Cholistan stands at a pivotal crossroads: the allure of development competes with the heavy shadow of modern colonization, threatening to reshape its destiny and echo a colonial past many hoped to leave behind. The Rohillas, indigenous to Cholistan, mirror the vitality of their land. For centuries, they have thrived through an intricate understanding of the desert’s rhythms, relying on traditional rain-fed tobas, grazing lands, and a harmonious relationship with their livestock. This intimate connection with their environment has preserved a delicate balance, ensuring the sustainability of their way of life. Yet, Cholistan now faces a stark transformation. The Punjab government’s plans to irrigate 1.2 million acres of arid land through canal systems promise prosperity but carry an unspoken cost. Fertile green patches are being allocated to corporate groups or influential agriculturalists, displacing indigenous communities to barren peripheries. The tobas, lifelines for generations, are now fenced off, denying access to water and disrupting pastoral livelihoods.
This selective vision of progress recalls the colonial canal colony model, which prioritized elite interests while uprooting local communities. The scars of such exploitation linger in the landscape, and the risks of repeating these mistakes loom large. Canal irrigation in a desert threatens not only the livelihoods of indigenous communities but also the ecological stability of the region. The spectre of waterlogging, salinization, and overdrawn aquifers underscores the potential pitfalls of these plans, transforming short-term gains into long-term disasters.
Cholistan’s rich biodiversity is also at stake. Iconic species like the Chinkara gazelle and the Brela camel, alongside the desert’s delicate ecosystems, face the risk of habitat fragmentation from canal networks. For the Rohillas, whose survival depends on their livestock, the loss of grazing lands and water sources spells an existential crisis. The cultural identity of Cholistan, steeped in traditions shaped by centuries of adaptation, hangs in precarious balance.
Yet, Cholistan holds sustainable alternatives to this perilous path. The Sutlej River’s vast aquifers offer untapped potential to support smart agriculture in Lesser Cholistan, without the environmental cost of a canal system. Solar-supported Riverbank Filtration (RBF) systems can harness these groundwater reserves, providing clean water for replenishing tobas and meeting human and livestock needs. Unlike large-scale canal projects, RBF technology promotes decentralized water management, empowering local communities while preserving ecological balance.
Rainwater harvesting and floodwater diversion strategies can further restore aquifers, ensuring a sustainable water supply for the desert. Smart agriculture tailored to Cholistan’s conditions—focusing on drought-resistant crops and agroforestry—offers a viable alternative to water-intensive farming, fostering food security and biodiversity while respecting the desert’s natural rhythms.
The desert is also a treasure trove of history, boasting over 400 archaeological sites from the Indus Valley Civilization, standing as a testament to Cholistan’s historical significance. These relics remind us of the ingenuity and resilience that once flourished here. However, they also highlight the tragic irony of modern policies that disregard the sustainable coexistence these ancient communities practiced. To secure a future that respects Cholistan’s essence, development must shift from exploitation to stewardship. The desert is not an empty expanse awaiting conquest; it is a vibrant ecosystem and a living heritage. Policies must prioritize biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and inclusive development that uplift indigenous communities rather than displacing them.
Cholistan’s unique identity offers opportunities for eco-tourism, celebrating its wildlife and the vibrant traditions of its people. The music, crafts, and stories of the Rohillas deserve recognition as a living heritage, woven into the fabric of the region’s future rather than relegated to the past.
As the sun dips below the dunes, casting a golden glow across the desert, Cholistan reveals itself as both resilient and vulnerable. It is a land alive with history, culture, and biodiversity—a mosaic of life that must be nurtured, not subdued. The choice before us is clear: embrace a future of sustainable development that honours the desert’s unique identity, or repeat the mistakes of history, leaving scars on the land and its people.The answer lies in our values and vision. Cholistan’s heart beats in its wildlife, its people, and the silent echoes of its ancient riverbed. Choosing development over colonization means letting this desert breathe freely, safeguarding its beauty, resilience, and heritage for generations to come.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
