KARACHI: The constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court has ordered a private firm to fill-up 11 mining shafts in Lakhra Coal field and ensure that the same will no more be an environmental hazard to public.

The three-member bench headed by Justice Mohammad Karim Khan Agha ruled that such exercise must be completed within three months.

A private firm, engaged in coal mining activities, had petitioned the SHC last year and submitted that another private company was illegally utilising/mining the area which formed part of lease granted to the petitioner.

Thereafter, the SHC had called reports from nazir and director general, directorate of coal mines development, who filed their reports.

The constitutional bench in its order said that as per the reports, the private respondent was illegally carrying out mining activities.

According to the report of DG directorate of coal mines development, the respondent has been stopped from mining and no such activities were being carried out in 11 shafts, which were identified within the boundaries of both permit holders.

It was also said in the report that there was smoke emission from two mines within disputed boundary and the private respondent (M/s Khalil-ur-Rehman) had been directed to fill-up mines immediately in the disputed areas in order to avoid any mishap.

The bench noted that since the private respondent/firm has left the area in question, it was the duty of the firm to fill-in the 11 mining shafts and to ensure that there was no danger left on the site through its earlier mining activities, which has now abandoned.

It also directed the private respondent that there must be no longer an environmental hazard or danger to the public.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2024