Syed Murad Ali Shah Sindh Chief Minister has said that power generation from Thar coal reserves after the completion of mining work in Phase-1 of Thar Coal Block-2 will start from June, 2019, said while speaking at a programme to celebrate 50% completion of coal mining work of Phase-1 of the Thar Coal Block-2 at the site of Thar coalfield in Islamkot.

The Sindh CM said that the Phase-1 of Thar Coal Block-2 holds 2.8 million tonnes coal per annum to generate 660 MWs electricity generation. He said that the completion of Thar Coal Block-2 holds 22 million tonnes of coal per annum for 4,000 MWs power generation since 2025.

He said that the exploitation of Thar coal for power generation is to benefit locals instead of being affected. CM has announced 3% shares of Thar Coal Block-2 to displaced locals from 54% shareholding of the Sindh government in Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, Thar Coal Block-2.

CM also said that the Sindh govt would run a complete programme for rehabilitation and welfare of the people of Thar coal mining area.

He said that coal extraction and power generation would not be at the cost of the welfare and living of locals. He ensured that Thar Coal Block-2 would first ensure rehabilitation before power generation. “Sindh govt would do its best for their welfare and well-being displaced people,” said the CM.

The CM added “The opposition of project has done a grave injustice to people of Thar and entire Pakistan. I would not name those people but I cannot wish them well at all because they have shown insincerity to people of Thar and entire Pakistan.”

He added that the Sindh govt had contributed Rs11 billion for coal mining in Thar Coal Block-2 along with support for Thar Foundation to work on health, education, and employment of the locals.

Shamsuddin Shaikh Chief Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company acknowledged the Sindh govt for its support for Thar Coal and Power Project and using Thar coal would be supplied to the entire country using national grid.

He said that after completion of Thar Coal Block-2 cost of power generation with local coal reserves would slightly decrease, making it cheapest power. He said that the Thar Foundation was sponsoring construction of a latest private hospital. “The Thar Foundation is willing to approve govt-run schools and basic health units in Islamkot to improve services for locals,” he concluded.