'Seistan' [‎46r] (91/782)

9
7, In Statements A attached to Estimates I,II and III particulars are given for
foundations of posts in sand ; these founda
tions are divided into 2 classes, viz.^ strong
and medium, consisting of 600 and 144 cubic feet of rubble stone, respectively ;
strong foundations are intended where the sand met with is of a loose drifting nature,
and medium foundations where the sand is firmer, and not so likely to be shifted
by strong winds. I cannot say from any experience whether these foundations
will be sufficient to make the line safe; 1 simply give the specification from my
opinion, some idea of what the country is like will be got from a glance at the
photographs accompanying this report. These were taken by G. P. Tate, Esq.,
of the Survey Department, to whose kindness I am indebted for allowing me to
make use of them here.
As regards maintenance of a Telegraph line through this sand, I think that
there will be considerable trouble ; each post will act as a nucleus for drifting
sand to accumulate against, and in the course of some years there is a probability
of parts of the line becoming buried. It is difficult to describe to any one who
has not actually experienced it what a sand storm in a desert really represents ;
as a storm approaches the sand appears to be carried along like a huge wall, and
obscures everything from view; travelling against it is altogether impossible and
should an interruption to the line occur at such a time, restoration of communica
tion would be greatly delayed.
8. It will be seen from paragraphs 3, 4, and 5 dealing with estimates 1, 2
W ter and 3, respectively, that there is a scarcity
of water at places along the route. In
Estimate Part I, no drinking water is met with between Kani nala and Mirui ,37
miles distant ; at the former place the water in two wells was stale and undrinkable,
but if cleaned out would probably become potable ; between Manzil and Amir
Chah, 43 miles, there is no water at all. In Estimate Part II, there is practically
no drinking water between Amir Chah and Mirjawa about 75 miles ; that at
Duzgi, Mukakaf, and Juzhak is brackish and without special treatment undrink
able.
In Estimate Part III, no drinking water between Amir Chah and Saindak, 65
miles; there is a small quantity at Bijar Chah, 38 miles from Amir Chah, but
it is brackish and undrinkable; its supply also is scarce and not sufficient to
water more than 50 camels in a day; I have estimated for 2 pairs of water tanks
for each working party, made of galvanised iron, and capable of being carried
when empty on camels; these will be necessary as reservoirs at camps where
there is no supply of water; each pair will weigh empty about 3 maunds, and
will hold about 240 gallons. In Statement C attached to Estimates Parts I, II
and III will be found the calculation for transport; water will be carried in leather
puckhals on camels.
9. In Statements B attached to Estimates I, II and III will be found calcu*
SuppHe3> lations for grain supplies. No supplies 0^
any sort are procurable between Nushki
district, 96 miles from^ Quetta, and some villages in southern Seistan, about 100
miles north of Koh-i-Malik Siah; hence the necessity of estimating for the
transport of grain for the working parties. I may mention that all the supplies
and some forage for my party, during my recent tour of 4 months in the
country, had to be brought on from Nushki and stored at levy posts along the
route according to requirements.
10. The places recommended for Telegraph stations are Nushki, Dalbandin,
Telegraph station,. Chah a t n f Ladis, Of Koh-i-Malik Siah.
The type of bungalows recommended for
each of these places will be seen from the accompanying sketch, and estimate,
Statement I, attached. The accommodation consists of 3 rooms, one for the
office, and two for signallers* quarters. Two signallers would not, I think, be
actually necessary at each, but considering the absolute desolateness of the country
it might be advisable not to leave one man altogether by himself. Over the
office it is proposed to build some sort of defence parapet, with a pull up ladder
from the inside; the country appears fairly quiet; indeed there are few people