There are chances that you have heard about Tando Soomro. A small village located 15 kilometers from Tando Allahyar city of Sindh is a talented and model village.
Some researchers think that word Tando has originated from the Sindhi word ‘taando’ that means ‘ash. In contrast, others believe that ‘tando(s)’ were the cantonments of Talpur leaders.
My first introduction was in 2018 when I was on my journey on bicycle throughout Pakistan. My friends told me about this village, but first, I ignored the fact that there are any chances of any model village in Sindh. But my thoughts were wrong.
The next day my friends and I went to this model village and was amazed to see this village with magnificent beauty. This village is just a fantastic place to visit and get motivation.
In the province of Sindh, where there is hardly good news, this village provides a model from which the Sindh Government must learn lessons.
Tando Soomro village is full of surprises and life. The population of Tando Soomro is about 8000 people.
If you are more of a visual person, then please watch the following video, which summarizes my Tando Soomro trip:
Why is Tando Soomro a Remarkable Village of Sindh?
There is a common perception of any Pakistani village that it consists of mud houses, narrow streets, and no drainage system. Tando Soomro has wide, neat, and cemented roads.
A playground is available for sports and activities. Electrical polls of the village are well-covered by wooden made boxes to avoid any incident. At the same time, dustbins are fixed in the streets.
But the village life in Tando Soomro is quite different from other villages and towns in Pakistan. The locals themselves look after and manage the affairs of the village.
I have visited this village twice. The first time I was on a bicycle and the second time I was here with my wife back in December 2018 on the motorbike. Both times it was a fantastic experience.
My friend Mr. Ataullah Nizamani was my host, the resident of Tando Soomro Village. Let’s know ten things about basic facilities in the village of Tando Soomro.
1. Security System
It is among some of Pakistan’s villages with a proper security system. Tando Soomro has a large boundary wall around 10-feet in height with two private security check posts at the village entrance.
The construction of the security wall had completed in 18 months. There is a separate committee to manage the security issues of the committee.
The wall budget was 20 million, and no one could enter the village without verification. One needs to prove his identification and purpose before visiting Tando Soomro.
2. Crime Rate
The people of Tando Soomro village are peaceful, and they do not allow any conflict in their area. The town is a crime-free zone, and the villagers are united to handle any such situation.
The last robbery in this village was ten years back, and the person was not allowed to live further.
3. Budget
The villagers run their affairs through a committee. Most of the residents are well-known agriculturists, and many others are serving on essential posts in Pakistan and overseas. These villagers are inspired to participate in the village committee fund to provide facilities in the village.
These facilities include spending on education, health unit, streets, playgrounds, and sewerage. The committee designated by villagers is further divided into different subcommittees to look after routine chores related to their domain.
A panel meeting is held annually to share progress reports with villagers and records of collections and spendings. A committee manages the economy of the village.
The annual budget is prepared to handle the village affairs. It is gradually increasing every year. The people make voluntary contributions to the Tando Soomro.
The budget for 2018 was more than 1 million Pakistani rupees. The committee of the Tando Soomro is accountable to the people. A large amount of contribution comes from Nizamani Community.
4. Sewerage System
The most unbelievable thing about Tando Soomro village is its sewerage system. I was amazed to see the village’s underground and grilled sewerage system. It is amazingly undercover and properly working.
In 2019, the water flooded the streets of Tando Soomro. The workers drained water from the roads in just twenty minutes. This sewerage system is appreciable.
5. Governance Model
The Governance model of Tando Soomro is also very unique. Different committees are working for the development of Tando Soomro. They also try to facilitate people. Here electric polls are covered with wooden boxes.
It is the safest way to protect people during the rainy season. Dust bins are in every street of the village, and the village also has paved roads.
The streets of Tando Soomro are clean because the villagers are bound to throw garbage in dust bins. The committee ensures that every resident pays electricity bills regularly. Recovery of 100% electricity bills is made possible from here.
6. Education in Tando Soomro
The Tando Soomro’s literacy ratio is better compared to other Sindh villages. The youth of Tando Soomro get their primary education from the village and higher education from some of the top universities in Pakistan.
The school of Tando Soomro is not less than any modern school in Pakistan.
Many youths of the village are serving in the private and government sectors. Education Committee ensures that the enrollment in the school is 100% as they believe in educating the girls as well.
There are separate schools for boys and girls. The computer lab consists of the latest systems.
7. Health System
The health facilities of Tando Soomro are also best as compared to other areas of Sindh. The government hospital of Tando Soomro works on Public-Private Partnership.
Best doctors are made available from funds. The hospital facility is available for 24 hours. Now, this hospital includes an ambulance as well.
8. Asim Agriculture Farm
Asim agriculture farm is at a distance of some 2km from the village and filled with bananas, mango, and many vegetable plants. The owner of this farm is the landlord of Tando Soomro Imdad Nizamani. The farm is among the top in Pakistan and developed with the efforts of Mr. Nizamani and his father.
It is among the few agriculture farms of Sindh where agriculture researchers are employed to look after the farm’s progress. Farmlands are planted through some of the most advanced agro techniques in the world today.
Nizamani believes the actual developers of this modern agri farm are the farmers. The majority of farmers are from scheduled Hindu castes. A colony for the farmers is constructed, where farmers and their families live.
This farm is among the top in Pakistan. The facilities on this farm are far better than any other agricultural farms in Sindh.
The rooms here are not less than any five-star hotel. It is among the farms where agricultural researchers come and do research on farm products. The salaries given to the farmers are exemplary in this area.
The title “Man of the year” is awarded to the farmer who offers the best production.
The prize includes an amount of Rs. 25000 with a turban of bosky. The farmers pay recreational visits to other cities as well. The last tour was of Karachi city, and the management bearded the expenses.
While visiting the streets of Tando Soomro, one can see small homes of laborers and farmers and properly established bungalows of landlords. They all are availing the same basic facilities and living happily.
Thought majority of the village population belongs to the Nizamani community. Still, it is home to many other castes and tribes. It provides peace to Muslims and Hindus without any differentiation. This village is organized and multicultural at the same time. The majority of the farmers are from Hindu castes.
9. Motivation
Tando Soomro village is an example and motivation for the rest of Pakistanis who blame the government. The people of Tando Soomro believe that if anybody is committed and dedicated to their goal, they can change the fate of their area themselves. They can also play their role as a responsible citizen.
It is a problem that many blame the government for anything going bad without realizing our responsibilities as a citizen. This village is undoubtedly an excellent example for the people of rural Pakistan.
10. Location
The location of Tando Soomro is just 40 kilometers away from Hyderabad.
Hopefully, this blog will inspire you to visit Tando Soomro. If you have any questions on Sindh or my experience traveling on a bicycle/motorbike, please comment below or email me, and I’ll try to reply to you as soon.
