Mansoor Sadiq

The projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are taking Pakistan towards economic stability by improving energy and road infrastructure. They also benefit local communities by lifting them from poverty and raising their socio-economic conditions. Under the CPEC, coal mining excavation projects are underway in Thar, which is ranked seventh largest in the world in view of coal reserves. According to an estimate, there are 175 billion tons of coal reserves in Thar (Sindh province).

Thar is considered as one of Pakistan’s underdeveloped districts. Naseer Memon, former general manager of Thar Foundation, said while talking to WealthPK that dynamics of Thar are changing rapidly with development of Thar Coal power projects. He said road networks have changed landscape of Thar and socio-economic conditions for the local people who now have better employment opportunities, drinking water and health facilities.

He said the introduction of cellular network facility has further benefited the local people. Various industries are working in Thar to assist with coal mining. He recalled that the people in Thar used to reach Hyderabad and Karachi in two days, but now they can take advantage of modern transportation services available in Thar and travel to these cities and come back within a single day.

Naseer said that two blocks of exploration of coal from Thar are functioning. He said that various non-governmental organisations are working on basic health and primary education in the area. He said that Thar coal projects have also broken stereotypes in the area as many women are working at coal mines who drive heavy trucks and dumpers.

Naseer said it is too early to voice concern about environmental issues in Thar as presently only two coal blocks are operating. However, he said, if the number of these blocks reaches 10-15, it could be an issue. About 2600 megawatts of electricity is being generated from two projects of Thar coal. The coal excavated from Thar, which is very cheap compared to imported coal, generates cheap electricity for Pakistan and the approximate cost per unit is five rupees.

Khalid Kambhar, a social activist from Thar, told WealthPK that since the initiation of coal power projects, people from the rest of Sindh have been visiting Thar. He said a policy mechanism is needed to provide more incentives for the local community in shape of improving infrastructure and education.

Kambhar said primary health units, hand pumps, and basic healthcare facilities are being provided at a limited scale, which need to be further improved, and authorities should make efforts to resolve the water issue for desert dwellers. Obhaeyo Junejo from Mithi area said the government should take on board people of Thar in the development process. He said that two major roads, one from Karachi and second from Naukot, connect Thar, which end in Islam Kot. However, there are 2,400 villages in Thar, so the roads need to be improved in view of major developments in the area in coming years.

He said the local people don’t want to be dependent on rain forever.“A system of new canals and pipelines for drinking and agriculture purposes needs to be developed. This would provide better opportunities for improved livelihood in the area,” said Junejo. Rupa, a local resident who drives a dumper at Block-2 coal mine, said that her children are enrolled in a school and she is supporting her family by taking advantage from available facilities at the coal mines. She said it took her four to five months to learn driving, and now she can drive the dumper for eight hours shift with ease. She added that the project is a blessing for her and many other families in Thar desert.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk