‘Seistan Persia & Seistan’ [‎27r] (58/617)

23. The Chagai district may be said to consist of two fertile portions,
mz., the alluvial plain surrounding Chagai fort and Dalbandin. The former
is watered by one single and two double karezes, but the supply of water from
them could be considerably augmented by a little judicious excavation. At
present, it is unequal to local requirements. Jfrom the contour of the sur
rounding hills and from the depth at which water lies, I agree with
Capt. McMahon in believing that the present number of karezes*couXA. be
largely increased. Unfortunately, pressing business compelled my immediate
return to Nushki, and so I cannot speak with the assurance of a recent per
sonal inspection.
24. Owing to the very limited attention I was able to devote to the
subject, I am somewhat diffident of committing myself as to the amount of
revenue that could be raised; but, after careful consideration of the question,
I think that, while the amount raised by a land tax under present circumstances
would be very inconsiderable, the expenses of a small tahsil and sowar In the East India Company army and later Indian Army, an ordinary native cavalryman or mounted cavalryman.
establishment, with a branch thana at Baramchaii, could be met from the
Tirni collections on the very large number of flocks— sheep, goat, and camel—
the district supports. Judging by the events of late months, the population
of the district promises, under British administration, to increase to an
astonishing degree. In illustration, I may say that, whereas at the time of
my outward journey through Dalbandin I collected with difficulty 20 men,
at the time of my return upwards of 2,000 were reported by the Thanadar
to be pasturing their flocks on the broad expanse the plain offered. This was
no doubt partially due to failure in the rains around, but the view taken on
both northern and southern frontiers is clearly proved by the presence of
Afghan and Kharan officials charged with the duty of preventing further
egress.
25. As I have just said, I consider that the cost of maintaining a small
tahsil and requisite establishment at Ghagai could be met from a Tirni collec
tion. That the collection will at first be unpopular, I foresee; but when the
Baltjch realize that, in exchange, personal security for themselves, to leave
alone that of their flocks, will be secured to an extent hitherto not dreamed of, I
think that the slight uneasiness it may give rise to will quickly wear off, never
to re-appear.
26. Dalbandin may be best described as an extensive plain, of an
average breadth of 8 —10 miles, confined on the north and south by the Chapar
and Raskoh hills, and extending east and west 20 miles, until it is lost in
heavy sand hills. Cultivation by means of karezes is only attempted in the
vicinity of the Dalbandin river, where a small irrigation channel, 18 inches
wide by 4 deep, is utilized to cultivate some 20 acres of ground. With a little
care and expenditure, the yield of water could be materially improved in the
upper reaches of the rivei% but lower down the presence of extensive salt beds
renders the water unfit for irrigation purposes, and precludes all hopes
of the water-supply being very extensively enhanced. Examination revealed
the existence of numerous patches recently under cultivation a few miles
up stream. On my enquiring of the owners as to why these lands were neglect
ed, the universal reply given w r as that the inducements to undertake culti
vation under Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Ali Khan’s sway were not sufficiently attractive.
27. Outside Chagai and the direct vicinity of Dalbandin, there is but
little cultivation. A few miles north-west of Ohagai, a small karez supplies
sufficient water to irrigate a few acres, while at Marui and in several places
in the Chagai Sarlat are old karezes which only require repairing to be
brought into use again. I saw during my tour, on many occasions, places
wdiere light bands thrown across the mouths of nalahs would afford sufficient
water to irrigate considerable tracts in the vicinity, and many other places,
notably Chahsir, where the proximity of water to the surface gave promise
<of fine heads of water.
28. A matter of considerable urgency, as regards the welfare of the
district, and with it the, caravan route, is the approximate demarcation

‘Seistan Persia & Seistan’ [‎27r] (58/617)

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‘Seistan Persia & Seistan’ [‎27r] (58/617)

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