Coal-powered projects are no means for tackling the energy crisis
KARACHI: Once again, the Secretary for Water and Power, Muhammad Younas Dhaga, has said that projects are underway for producing energy to overcome the energy shortage in the country. He pointed out that China would provide financial assistance of $1.2 billion for establishing a 660 Megawatt coal power plant in Thar. This is an old plan and has been criticised by many who understand that introducing it would further harm the already damaged environment of Pakistan. At a time when the world is phasing out the use of coal for energy production because of environmental hazards, Pakistan is turning a blind eye to this implementing, this kind of energy production while selling it to the public as progress.
It is high time that the daft energy policy of this government is revised. Coal-powered projects are no means for tackling the energy crisis. Starting a concerted programme of upgrading electricity transmission lines network and minimising transmission losses would be a much better idea that would save us from pollution as well. With regards to the secretary’s concern about cheap energy, water is a more environmentally friendly and cheap source of energy. A programme of constructing small and medium-sized dams would help produce cheap energy and help water management in the country.
Why is our government insisting on damaging our already damaged environment? Global warming and the resulting climate change are already hitting Pakistan more than other countries. We should not keep our eyes shut to this any longer and adjust our policy accordingly.
Ali Ashraf Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2015.
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