‘REPORT ON THE MISSION TO SEISTAN, 1897’ [‎15v] (35/134)

CHAPTER IV.
STRATEGICAL ROUTE, TRADE PROSPECTS, etc.
Having for two months anxiously awaited further orders as to the recall
of the Mission and receiving none, in reply to my request on this head, bearing
date of 28th August 1897, suffering as I was from dysentery and insomnia, I
determined to leave Seistan.
The limit too of the sanctioned budget estimate, 0 / 2 ., six months, having
elapsed, it seemed to me on carefully weighing the condition of affairs that I
was not justified in prolonging the stay of the Mission in the country, knowing
that special sanction of the Government of India was necessary in accordance
with Civil Service Regulations anent such deputations.
Having therefore carried out all the political, professional and other duties
imposed on me during our stay of seven months, and travelled every acre of
the country which enabled me to compile very complete statistics on resources,
revenues, and other subjects of special interest, both political and strategical,
as well as a thorough survey, there did not appear to me to be any special
cause for my remaining any longer in the country, besides which I had
inspected and started all the Kafilas from Seistan which set forth on their
journey at this season of the year.
On the 20th October 1897, we turned our backs on Seistan heading south
over the dreary and arid plains again, en route for Quetta.
Return journey .—We retraced our steps from Seistan as far as Saindak,
from which place we returned by a more northerly route, rid Amir Chah, rations
having been laid down on this route for the cavalry escort which I had
purposed sending back at an earlier period, but did not do so eventually conse
quent on the aspect of Seistan affairs.
Our journey back was unmarked by any incidents other than those
naturally consequent on rapid and long marches in varying temperature, and
a paucity of water, at all times bad, often at distances of from 20 to 45 miles or
more apart.
Disadvantages of the Northern route .—Prom Saindak to Gat-i-Barot rid
Amir Chah, the country is very desert and waterless, and cannot be considered
either a promising or practicable route.
Up to the time of our leaving Baluchistan no water had been found
between Saindak and Amir Chah, although “ Ido” pahoar of great fame, had
worked hard for six months to sink wells at Drana Koh and Zeh, nor is there
any between the long weary stretch from Amir Chah to Mizzil.
On the other hand, as will be seen by a glance at map No. 1, water is
found at reasonable intervals on the southern parallel route in this vicinity,
excepting on the Siastarji plateau where, in several spots, water is near the
surface and could easily be obtained.
With little difficulty such as cleansing out and repairing existing wells,
sinking a few new ones, and above all, building pucca watering troughs to
prevent pollution of water, the great natural necessity of our existence over any
trade route that it is contemplated to popularize, a better and purer water
supply could be guaranteed all along the southern route.
The greater part of the route between the above-named places is over
heavy sandy going and across lofty sand dunes.
Apart from the information of the nomadic inhabitants, one can easily see
the character of the country has undergone great changes consequent on
shifting sands.
The country is exposed and unguarded by hills on the north, a vast sand
desert stretches away right up to and beyond the Helmand river, and all the
year round the country being subject to violent wind storms, it is not unnatural