HYDERABAD: With the introduction of Thar Coal project in Tharparkar District, the region has bright chances of economic prosperity and an energy-affluent future, said Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair, while talking to journalists after inaugurating Thar Foundation-established TCF School Engro Campus at Islamkot.
The work on the project is underway in Thar Block II and international standards are being followed in the project’s development. Currently, there is no particular example of a similar project of this magnitude and quality, he said.
He said that Thar Coal project will change the energy situation in Pakistan and will pave way for a brighter future of the country.
TCF’s Engro Campus at Islamkot, a campus designed for 1,000 students, had been established by Thar Foundation with financial and technical support of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) and Engro Powergen Thar Limited (EPTL).
The electricity produced will be added to the national grid and will power the country’s domestic and industrial sectors.
“Thar should have its share of electricity produced from coal underlying of its soil”, Zubair said.
He further said that regional projects were being planned in sectors of health, education, agriculture, and women empowerment which would then transform the region into a prosperous and flourishing region of Sindh.
The governor also took a comprehensive tour of Pakistan’s first open pit coal mine at Block II and adjoining power plant, model house and green park as well. While inside the pit, the governor marked the 100-meter depth by unveiling a ceremonial plaque.
He said Thar Foundation’s work in sectors of health, education, livelihood and agriculture was unprecedented in the social development sector and it should be widened to embrace entire Islamkot district and not just Block II. He also met the first Thari female engineer of the project, Kiran Sadhwani.
Dawood Group Chairman Hussain Dawood, Engro Corporation President Ghias Khan, SECMC Chief Executive Officer Shamsuddin Ahmad Shaikh, Mirpur Khas Commissioner Shafiq Ahmed Mahesar and officials of SECMC, EPTL and Thar Foundation were also present.
Earlier, the governor was briefed on the progress of a power plant of 660 MW and the 100-meter achievement of the coal mine.
SECMC CEO said their aim was to turn those affected by the project into project beneficiaries.
e further said through the efforts of Sindh government, the shares had been given to the beneficiaries of Thar Coal Block II project.
Published in Daily Times, October 29th 2017.
