Cholistan Desert

The Cholistan Desert, also known locally as Rohi, is a vast arid region located in the southern part of Punjab province, Pakistan. Stretching over an area of approximately 26,000 square kilometres, the desert lies adjacent to the larger Thar Desert of India, sharing geographical and climatic features with it. The Cholistan Desert holds significant historical, ecological, and cultural value, serving as a living testimony to the ancient civilisations that once flourished along the Indus basin and its tributaries.

Geography and Climate

The Cholistan Desert extends about 480 kilometres in length and roughly 32 kilometres to 192 kilometres in width, covering parts of Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan districts. It borders the Thar Desert to the east and merges with the Sindh Desert in the south. The desert’s terrain is primarily composed of sand dunes, interspersed with interdunal valleys and plains, which support sparse vegetation and temporary water channels formed by seasonal rains.
The climate of Cholistan is extremely arid and continental, characterised by very hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures often exceed 50°C in June and July, while dropping significantly during winter nights. The average annual rainfall ranges between 100 to 250 millimetres, making water scarcity a persistent challenge for the region’s inhabitants. The main sources of water are rain-fed ponds, locally called tobas, and the Hakra River, a now-dry channel believed to be a remnant of the ancient Ghaggar-Hakra River system.

Historical Background

The Cholistan Desert has a rich archaeological heritage dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 2600–1900 BCE). Archaeological surveys have revealed over 400 ancient sites across the desert, many situated along the dry bed of the Hakra River. These sites suggest that the area once supported a thriving agricultural and trading society connected to the greater Indus network.
Among the most significant ancient remains are those of Ganweriwala, considered one of the major urban centres of the Indus civilisation, comparable to Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Artefacts such as pottery, beads, and seals unearthed from the region indicate an advanced level of craftsmanship and trade. Over time, climatic changes and the desiccation of the Hakra River are believed to have led to the decline of these early settlements.

Forts and Historical Structures

One of the most striking features of the Cholistan Desert is the presence of numerous forts and ruins, reflecting its historical importance as a strategic trade and defence zone. The most famous among them is the Derawar Fort, a massive structure located about 100 kilometres south of Bahawalpur. Originally built by Hindu Rajput rulers in the 9th century and later rebuilt by the Nawabs of Bahawalpur in the 18th century, Derawar Fort remains an architectural marvel, symbolising the region’s medieval heritage.
Other notable forts include:

• Marot Fort
• Jamgarh Fort
• Mojgarh Fort
• Khangarh Fort
• Khwaja Siddique Fort

These forts once formed part of a chain of defensive posts guarding ancient trade routes connecting Multan, Delhi, and Central Asia. They also served as watchtowers for caravans and as administrative centres during different periods of local rule.

Ecology and Wildlife

Despite its harsh conditions, the Cholistan Desert sustains a unique desert ecosystem adapted to aridity. Vegetation consists mainly of drought-resistant shrubs, grasses, and thorny plants such as capparis decidua (karir) and acacia jacquemontii. These provide forage for the local pastoral communities’ livestock, which primarily includes camels, goats, and sheep.
The desert is home to several species of wildlife, including the chinkara (Indian gazelle), desert cat, Indian fox, and a variety of reptiles and migratory birds. The Houbara bustard, a globally vulnerable bird species, winters in Cholistan, making the region an important area for conservation efforts. However, poaching and habitat degradation continue to pose serious threats to its biodiversity.

People and Culture

The inhabitants of the Cholistan Desert are known as Cholistani people, predominantly of Saraiki and Punjabi ethnic origins. They traditionally lead a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle, herding animals and moving seasonally in search of water and grazing land. Their settlements are often clustered around tobas and wells.
Cholistani culture is rich in oral traditions, music, and handicrafts. The people are renowned for their vibrant embroidery, weaving, and camel-skin work, which form a vital part of their economy. The Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally, held annually near Derawar Fort, has emerged as a major event promoting local culture and tourism. It attracts participants from across Pakistan and international off-road enthusiasts, boosting the desert’s economic significance.

Economy and Livelihood

The economy of the Cholistan Desert is primarily pastoral, with livestock rearing forming the backbone of livelihoods. Camels, often referred to as the “ships of the desert,” are integral to transportation, trade, and dairy production. In recent years, governmental and non-governmental organisations have initiated development programmes aimed at improving water availability, veterinary services, and alternative sources of income.
Efforts are also being made to harness the region’s potential for solar and wind energy, given its abundant sunlight and open landscape. However, challenges such as desertification, inadequate infrastructure, and poverty continue to limit large-scale economic transformation.

Environmental and Conservation Challenges

Desertification remains a pressing concern in Cholistan. Overgrazing, deforestation, and erratic rainfall patterns have exacerbated the loss of fertile land. The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has undertaken various studies to promote rainwater harvesting and the sustainable management of tobas to mitigate water scarcity. The conservation of flora and fauna is also prioritised under projects led by the Punjab Wildlife Department and other ecological agencies.
Tourism development, while beneficial economically, has raised questions about environmental sustainability, particularly concerning waste management and the protection of fragile desert habitats.