Thar coal to produce gas, power soon: CM

Committee formed to evaluate foreign bids for projects.

KARACHI:

Work on eight different blocks of Thar coal allotted to various firms is in progress and generation of gas and power is expected soon, said Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.

Chairing the 11th meeting of the Thar Coal and Energy Board at the CM House on Saturday, Shah, who is the chairman of the board, said that Thar coal and energy projects are essential for the development of not only the Thar area but also for bringing prosperity throughout the country.

The meeting reviewed the Islamkot airport scheme, work on which is expected to start in May and discussed the progress made by the energy working group. A committee will also be set up to receive proposals from the Sindh-Engro joint venture working on a Thar coal project.

Furthermore, in order to evaluate expressions of interest received in response to an international competitive bidding undertaken by the Sindh government to develop four blocks of Thar coalfield, a five-member committee was formed.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2011.