THATTA, Dec 24: China Northern Coal Field Survey has initiated exploration of Sonda Coal Field in the Jherruk and Sonda’s hilly terrain to extract coal deposits, says Tung Jone, leader of the field survey while talking to reporters on Saturday.

The company would initially excavate three wells at selected sites followed by excavation of three more wells. The coal would be used in operating coal fired generators to produce electricity for commercial and domestic purposes, said Mr. Tung.

Khamiso Khan Memon, in-charge of police security for foreign workers, said that a police contingent comprising 45 constables and officials would provide security to the Chinese team.

GUTTED: Belongings worth thousands of rupees were reduced to ashes when fire broke out in Jafar Mirbahar village in the coastal taluka of Mirpur Sakro in the wee hours of Sunday.

Five katcha houses, Allah Warayo, Gul Hassan, Jafar and Mohammad Hassan were completely gutted. The cause of fire could not be ascertained immediately.