Activists slam use of coal for power generation

'Coal-mining harmful for humans & environment,' say activists and call for renewable energy in online rally

KARACHI:

Calling for the promotion of alternative renewable energy solutions, the participants of an online rally have demanded an end to the use of coal and other fossil-based fuel in power plants.

The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) organised its first online rally on Wednesday, attended by people affected by the power plants and the members of civil society from Pakistan as well as from abroad.

Addressing the rally, PFF chairperson Muhammad Ali Shah said that coal power plants established on Sindh's coastal belt were a threat to the environment. Shah added that though reserves with 175 billion tonnes of coal had been found in Thar, coal-mining was not favourable for either humans or the environment. He pointed out that the Gorano reservoir had displaced several people, their pathways and grasslands.

In addition to coal mining, he said, water schemes were being developed to provide water to the Thar power plants, which were also harming people and the environment.

He reiterated that two dams had already been constructed at Nabisar and Vejhiar, while two others were also being developed and would be connected through a 62-kilometre long pipeline. Water for these schemes would be taken from the Makhi Farsh canal, which was at the tail end of Nara Canal, he explained.

"The residents of that area already do not receive water for agriculture. This withdrawal of water will further affect the area," he added.

He was of the view that Pakistan could generate 300,000 megawatts of energy through windmills and thousands of megawatts through solar means. "We are not only against coal-powered plants, but we want the promotion of alternative sources of renewable energy as well," he stated.

He added that they were unable to come out on the streets to protest for their cause due to the coronavirus pandemic, but they would continue to raise their voice through online platforms.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2020.