A wildfire that erupted on December 18 in the Khokhrapar union council and parts of Achhro Thar has claimed the lives of 180 animals, destroyed crops, fodder, and over 50,000 trees across 20 acres, according to local residents.
The blaze, reportedly originating near the Indian border, devastated guar crops and several tree species, including ber, kunbhat, kandi, rohira, and phogg. Villagers also reported the death of thousands of birds, such as peacocks, partridges, doves, crows, and sparrows.
The affected communities, heavily dependent on livestock and arid farming, now face the daunting task of rebuilding their livelihoods. With grazing areas and fodder supplies destroyed, surviving livestock is at risk of starvation.
Villagers are demanding immediate compensation for their losses and sustainable measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
They expressed frustration over the lack of government response, noting that only MPA Amir Ali Shah had visited the site, while no officials had arrived to assess the damage or offer assistance.
The wildfire also spread to nearby areas in Achhro Thar within Sanghar district, leaving widespread devastation in its wake. Residents have called on both federal and provincial authorities to take urgent action.
