MITHI, Jan 31: Adviser to Chief Minister on Mines and Mineral Resources Development Dr Khatumal Jeevan admitted on Friday existence of ‘lobbies’ at federal level that created hurdles to the establishment of coal-fired power plants in Thar, and that they had been warned by the prime minister to desist from such tactics.

The minister said at a news conference at the press club that Sindh was rich in mineral resources such as oil, gas and coal. Exploitation of vast deposits of coal spread underground in 9,000 square kilometres and establishment of coal-based power plants would create jobs for locals and bring prosperity to the backward region, he said.

The previous government signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with six companies but none of them except one (British Orical) launched work in the area and the MoUs signed with the rest had to be cancelled, he said.

He said that a 42 metres high seam had been discovered during drilling in the new coal blocks numbered 7 and 8 and the government was determined to establish coal-based power plants in Thar to rid the country of energy crisis.

To a question about why the relevant authorities had not announced any policy for compensation and resettlement of the Tharis, who were likely to be dislocated from coal belts, Dr Jeevan said that a comprehensive policy had been chalked out. The displaced inhabitants would be resettled in model towns to be established with all necessary facilities, he said.

A detailed survey of environmental issues would be carried out and it would be ensured that compensation be paid to the likely affectees of coal areas.

NAZIM HEADS JIRGA: The district nazim of Tharparkar, Arbab Anwar, headed a jirga on Saturday that decided to give a girl in marriage to some relative of the victim and imposed a fine of Rs500,000 on the relatives of the alleged murdaered in Kakrario Sama village.