Quetta Resources
The total geographical area of Quetta district is 265.3 thousand Ha. The reported area is 139.8 thousand Ha, which is almost 53% of the geographical area. The area which has not been reported so far is 47% of the geographical area. This is a matter of concern for the authorities as the settlement of the district dates back to more than 100 years, though almost 1/2 of the geographical area has not been brought under settlement.
This situation indicates in-efficiency and structural weaknesses of the Settlement Department. Times have changed, but the Department is still functioning traditionally. There is a dire need to restructure the Settlement Department on modern lines, so that it may prove an effective instrument for future Economic planning. Moreover, in the past, people were reluctant to get their land settled as they were afraid that such settlement would impose an additional economic burden in the form of rent.
Out of the reported area 21.8 thousand Ha, 8.2%, is not available for cultivation.
The table shows that 13% of the reported area is under forest. The arable land, suitable for cultivation, is 39.7 thousand Ha and the area under cultivable waste is 43.3 thousand Ha. Thus the potential area available for cultivation in the district is 83.0 thousand Ha. This is the area which holds potential for future agricultural development.
Land use 1994-95 |
Area (Ha.) |
% of total district area |
|
| Total Geographical Area | 265,287 |
100.00 |
|
| Area not Reported | 125,466 |
47.29 |
|
| Area Reported | 139,821 |
52.70 |
|
| - Area not available for cultivation | 21,853 |
8.23 |
|
| - Area under forest | 34,684 |
13.07 |
|
| - Area under permanent pasture | - |
- |
|
| - Area under water logging and salination | 200 |
0.07 |
|
| - Cultivable waste | 43,375 |
16.36 |
|
| - Arable land | 39,709 |
14.96 |
|
| Potential area available for cultivation | 83,084 |
31.39 |
|
| Source: | Agriculture Statistics of Balochistan 1994-1995 | ||
Although Quetta district was notified more than hundred years ago, still a considerable part (47%) of the geographical area is not reported. Although Quetta district is of course the most urbanized district in Balochistan, the official land use statistics indicate only a proportion of 8.3 % of the area as not available for cultivation. It can be assumed that a large part of the not reported area is also not available for cultivation.
More than 16% is reported as cultivable waste, which means that the area for agriculture could be expanded, given the availability of the required inputs, including water.
The combination of the climate and the prevailing soils makes the area suitable for growing deciduous fruits.
But the shortage of water is especially a constraint for further expansion of the horticultural sector.
The district has mineral resources, especially coal.
It is not surprising that in an urbanized district as Quetta, electricity and gas are major sources of energy, although fuel wood, cylinder gas and animal dung are still much used, in particular in rural areas of the district.
The environmental problems caused by traffic congestion and the shortcomings in the sanitation system suggest inadequate urban planning. Pollution, especially of the air, and the shortage of water are major issues that have to be addressed at short notice.
Developing public awareness about these problems seems a necessary first step.