What if you had to walk 5 miles for water?
It’s a powerful question. One that sheds light on the harsh reality millions face in Pakistan and other third-world countries, where clean drinking water isn’t just scarce, it’s a luxury.
In many parts of the world, turning on a tap is second nature. But in regions like Tharparkar, a drought-prone desert area in Pakistan, the situation is drastically different. Every day, families, especially women and children, are walking 5 to 7 miles under the scorching sun just to collect a few liters of clean water.
At Ek Plate Biryani, we believe access to water is a basic human right, not a daily battle. Through our hand pump installations, monthly food ration drives, and school lunch programs, we’re working to bring dignity, health, and hope back to underserved communities.
The Water Crisis in Tharparkar, Pakistan
A Deserted Struggle
Tharparkar, in Sindh province, is one of the most water-scarce regions in Pakistan. The area receives less than 200 mm of rain annually and lacks proper water infrastructure.
According to UNICEF:
- Over 70% of households in rural Pakistan don’t have access to safe drinking water.
- In Thar, women and girls spend up to 5 hours a day fetching water.
- One in five children under age 5 dies due to waterborne diseases like diarrhea and cholera.
Imagine sending your child to fetch water instead of school books.
This is the daily reality for thousands in Thar.
Why Access to Water Matters
Clean water is not just a convenience—it’s the foundation of health, education, and economic survival.
Impacts on Children
Children who walk long distances to collect water often:
- Miss school
- Suffer from exhaustion and malnutrition
- Face safety risks, especially girls
Every day spent searching for water is a day stolen from a child’s future.
Health Risks
In regions where clean water is unavailable, families are forced to use contaminated sources like ponds or open wells. This leads to:
- Cholera
- Hepatitis A and E
- Typhoid
- Skin infections
According to the WHO, 80% of all diseases in developing countries are water-related.
What Ek Plate Biryani Is Doing to Help
At Ek Plate Biryani, we’re on a mission to turn empathy into action, ensuring no family has to walk 5 miles just to survive another day.
Installing Hand Pumps in Thar
We’ve successfully installed hundreds of hand pumps in the most remote areas of Tharparkar. Each pump:
- Serves an entire village
- Saves women and children hours of labor daily
- Reduces disease by providing clean groundwater access
✅ One hand pump costs USD 1200 and supports 50+ people.
Imagine how far your donation can go.
What If You Had to Walk 5 Miles for Water? The Global Context
A Worldwide Crisis
According to the United Nations:
- 1 in 3 people globally do not have access to safe drinking water.
- In sub-Saharan Africa, women spend 40 billion hours a year walking for water.
- Globally, over 2.2 billion people live without safely managed water services.
These aren’t just numbers—they’re lives held back by a basic human need.
How You Can Make a Difference
You don’t have to walk 5 miles to make an impact. Here’s how you can help from wherever you are:
Your donation can:
- Fund a hand pump that saves an entire village
- Provide a month’s ration supply to a hungry family
- Feed a child every day for a month
- Spread the Word
Share this blog. Talk about the issue. Most people don’t realize that water scarcity and hunger are everyday struggles in parts of Pakistan.
- Partner with Us
If you’re part of a school, company, or organization, consider starting a CSR campaign or a fundraiser with Ek Plate Biryani.
Every drop, every grain, every rupee counts.
Final Thoughts: What If the 5 Miles Were on Your Shoulders?
When we ask, “What if you had to walk 5 miles for water?”, it’s more than a rhetorical question; it’s a reality that demands compassion and action.
At Ek Plate Biryani, we’re trying to bridge the distance, one hand pump at a time. With your support, we can help families stay home, stay healthy, and dream beyond survival.
