Awaran
Awaran district is in the centre of Balochistan province of Pakistan. The district consists of three
tehsils, i.e., Mashkai, Awaran, Jhal Jhao; eight patwar circles – Jairi, Gajar,
Parwar, Peelar Jah, Awaran, Gashkore, Peelar Jhao and Camp Jhao;
and 216 mauzas (villages).
Awaran
Jhal Jhao
Mashka
Population
The population of Awaran was estimated to be over 200,000 in 2005. Awaran has witnessed a steady rise in population. Most of population is rural. Over 98% of the people of the area are Muslims and a small Zikri minority. The tribes in Awaran are divided into several clans, the Baloch tribes in the district are Qambrani, Bizenjo, Mohammed Hasni, Sajdi, Mirwani, Rakhshani, Musiani, Sumalani and Mengal. The major language in the district is Balochi, which is spoken in 92.2 percent of the total households followed by Brahvi (7.7%) and then by other languages including Pushto and Urdu (0.1%).
The population of Awaran was estimated to be over 200,000 in 2005. Awaran has witnessed a steady rise in population. Most of population is rural. Over 98% of the people of the area are Muslims and a small Zikri minority. The tribes in Awaran are divided into several clans, the Baloch tribes in the district are Qambrani, Bizenjo, Mohammed Hasni, Sajdi, Mirwani, Rakhshani, Musiani, Sumalani and Mengal. The major language in the district is Balochi, which is spoken in 92.2 percent of the total households followed by Brahvi (7.7%) and then by other languages including Pushto and Urdu (0.1%).
Climate
The climate of Awaran is hot in summer and cool in winter.
Dust storms are experienced throughout the year. The storms become very severe
from June to September when they are known as livar. Summer days are hot but nights are cool. The winter is cool.
Awaran is an area of extremely limited rains. The rain falls mostly during the
months of April, May, June, and July. On the basis of meteorological data
available, the district can be placed in “semi-arid hot summer and mild winter”
climatic category.
Annual Mean Temperature
At present, accurate
temperature data are not available for Awaran. However, the data available for
Khuzdar may give some idea about the climate of Awaran (see Annex 3). It has
been observed that mean temperature in the hottest month (June) remains above
32°C while in winter it remains between 10°C and 21°C. It confirms the climatic
category of “hot summer and mild winter”.
Soils
The district is mountainous, intersected by broad valleys.
The soil of the district is fertile both in irrigated and un-irrigated tracts.
But due to non-availability of water, most of the area is permanently barren.
The soil of Mashkai, Jhal Jhao, and surrounding areas of Awaran is very fertile.
Minerals
It has been observed that mineral resources are unexplored
in Awaran. This is due to lack of communication and transport facilities. The
district possesses large quantities of chromate and building stone but these
are not exploited.
Vegetation
Compared to other districts there is less vegetation in the
Awaran district. There are no forests, and trees are few and scanty, with
date-palm trees being most common. A few wild fig trees exist here and there in
the hills; tamarix and willows are found in the Mashkai tehsil. The plants of
the lower region are Otostegia Auohesi and Pyonotheco Spinosa. A spiny bush,
Convolvulus Spinosus is very common in the district.
Energy
The major source of energy in the area is fuel wood and
bushes, while dung-cakes are also used in some households. There is no
electricity or gas facility in the district. Few houses and hotels use diesel
generators for electricity generation. The people use kerosene lamps for
lighting.
Environment
The district is free from air pollution. There are no
industries or heavy traffic in the district. There is dust pollution and the
sanitation is very poor in the area. No
sanitation systems exists. Solid waste and garbage is dumped in the corners of
streets, polluting the whole environment. Potable water is also a problem,
particularly in the remote areas of the district. Most people do not have
separate kitchen or bath rooms. This situation creates unhygienic conditions
and causes many diseases.
Wildlife
According to the wildlife map, Sind ibex (Capra hircus) and chinkara (Gazella Gazella
Bennetti) are found in Awaran district, but rarely. The species which have been
declared endangered include the Balochistan black bear, urial (Ovis
Orientalis), Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis Undulata Macqueenil), and
Sand-grouses.
The red fox (Vulvas Vulvas) and grey partridge are commonly found animals.
Tourism
There is no place of tourist attraction in the district. Only a few hut restaurants can be found at Awaran, Jhal Jhao, and Mashkai, providing meals and tea
