Thar Desert Case Study

The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is located in northwest India and stretches into Pakistan. It covers 200,000 square kilometres and is the most densely populated desert in the world. The desert forms a natural boundary between India and Pakistan.

Development opportunities in the Thar Desert

Mineral extraction in the Thar Desert

Many minerals are extracted from the ground in the Thar Desert including:

• limestone for producing steel and cement;
• marble, used in construction;
• phosphorite used in fertiliser and chemicals;
• feldspar, used in ceramics;
• gypsum, used in plaster and cement.

Energy in the Thar Desert

A range of renewable and non-renewable energy resources are exploited in the Thar Desert. Renewable energy resources include wind and solar energy. At Jaisalmer, 75 wind turbines are generating 60MW of electricity. Solar energy is being used in Bhaleri to power water treatment works. Due to the long hours of sunshine, there is massive potential in the generation of solar energy.

Farming in the Thar Desert

Most farming in the Thar Desert is subsistence which means farmers produce enough food for them and their families to eat. Rearing animals, growing crops and foraging for fruit and berries are common subsistence farming approaches in the Thar Desert.

The Indira Gandhi canal has enabled the irrigation of 3500k㎡ of land for the commercial production of wheat, cotton and maize.

Tourism in the Thar Desert

Tourism in the Thar Desert has increased recently, mainly from Pakistan. Desert safaris are popular as is ecotourism including camel treks.

Development challenges in the Thar Desert

Hot deserts are hostile, remote and challenging environments for development.

Water supply

Precipitation levels are in the Thar Desert are very low, between 120-240mm, and evaporation rates are high. Stable water supplies are essential for economic development. Water is traditionally stored in natural ponds known as tobas and are used by farmers in remote locations.

The Indira Gandhi canal was constructed to provide irrigation and drinking water in 1958.

Many settlements have formed along rivers due to the availability of fresh water. However, climate change could lead to river levels being lower which will lead to water scarcity.

Inaccessibility

Covering 200,000k㎡, The Thar Desert is vast. Despite having the highest desert population density in the world, it has a limited road network.

Tarmac can melt in the hot temperatures, and sand can easily blow over roads.

Extreme Temperatures

Temperatures can exceed 50°C in the Thar Desert which makes it very challenging to for people, such as farmers, to work outside. High temperatures lead to rapid evaporation and a shortage of water.