Latest news with #TharCoalProject
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sindh can overcome chronic energy crisis if given authority: Sharjeel
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has said the province has ample energy resources to pull the country out of its power crisis, but federal policies are obstructing its progress. While addressing the media on Sunday, the minister urged the federal government to stop opposing Sindh's wind and solar initiatives and to extend full cooperation. He stated that over the past six years, 30 million tons of coal from the Thar Coal Project has generated 31 gigawatts of electricity - enough to power three million homes. A 105-kilometre railway line is under construction to link Thar coal with national and international markets. Highlighting renewable energy progress, Sharjeel said Sindh's wind corridor is operational, and several solar projects are nearing completion. The Nooriabad Power Project is supplying 100MW to Karachi. The provincial government has allocated Rs2.5 billion for solar energy initiatives and is subsidising electricity bills of up to 200 units for eligible Thar residents. Solar parks are planned for Karachi, Manjhand, Sukkur, and Larkana. The minister also spoke about a crackdown on illegal constructions, with 37 dangerous buildings identified in Sukkur. Similar inspections are underway in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, and Nawabshah. Action will be taken against complicit officers. He warned of rising Indus River levels with low-level flooding reported at Guddu and Sukkur barrages. Relief camps have been activated in vulnerable areas. On health concerns, Sharjeel said monsoon-related diseases are on the rise, prompting the setup of emergency units and mobile medical camps across affected districts. He also defended the new vehicle number plate scheme, saying it aims to curb crime and modernise registrations.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sindh minister rejects ‘baseless propaganda' over new number plate scheme
Listen to article Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Sunday dismissed criticism of the province's new number plate scheme, terming it 'baseless propaganda' and asserting that the initiative aims to modernise vehicle registration and curb crime. In a statement, Memon said the scheme was introduced to tackle issues such as vehicle theft and improve the registration process. 'The Sindh government is open to hearing genuine public concerns, but will not tolerate politicisation of public welfare initiatives,' he said. Highlighting Sindh's energy potential, the provincial minister claimed the province possesses ample resources to help the country overcome its energy crisis. 'Federal policies have significantly hindered the development of Sindh's energy sector. If the province is granted autonomy and facilities in accordance with its resources, it can bring about a revolution in energy production,' he said. Read More: Old licence plate penalty sparks legal battle Memon urged stakeholders, experts, and policymakers to engage in an open dialogue on harnessing Sindh's vast energy reserves and pursuing sustainable energy solutions. He said that over the past six years, 30 million tonnes of coal had been supplied to independent power producers (IPPs) under the Thar Coal Project, resulting in the generation of 31 gigawatts of electricity — enough to power nearly three million homes. 'Thar's coal has the capacity to meet Pakistan's electricity needs for decades to come,' he added. The minister also pointed to key infrastructure developments, noting that a 105-kilometre railway line is under construction to connect Thar coal with national and international markets. 'Sindh has made notable progress in renewable energy. Our wind corridor is operational, and several solar energy projects are under development,' he said. Memon added that the Nooriabad Power Project is currently supplying 100 megawatts of electricity to Karachi, while Rs2.5 billion has been allocated for upcoming solar initiatives. Additionally, the provincial government is covering electricity bills of up to 200 units for eligible residents of Thar. Discussing future projects, he revealed plans for two new solar parks in Karachi, a solar project in Manjhand for the Hyderabad region, and solar parks for Sukkur and Larkana. 'The federal government must remove obstacles to these projects and provide full cooperation. It should cease opposing Sindh's solar and wind power plans and support the province in meeting the nation's energy needs,' Memon said. Also Read: PIA incurs net loss of Rs4.6 billion The minister also addressed illegal constructions across the province, noting that indiscriminate action was under way. 'The Sindh Building Control Authority has issued notices to 37 dangerous structures in Sukkur alone, and inspections are ongoing in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana and Nawabshah,' he said. 'Departmental and legal action will be taken against officers involved in unlawful construction.' He further said that the water level in the Indus River is rising steadily, with reports of low-level flooding at Guddu and Sukkur barrages. 'The Sindh Irrigation Department and Provincial Disaster Management Authority are closely monitoring all barrages, embankments and vulnerable areas. Relief camps and logistics support have already been activated in low-lying regions,' he said, urging the public to fully cooperate with authorities in case of evacuation. Touching on post-monsoon health concerns, Memon said an increase in gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, and viral infections had been observed. Emergency units have been activated in all government hospitals, and mobile medical camps are being established in Karachi, Thatta, Badin and other districts. 'The public is advised to drink clean water and avoid consuming substandard food,' he warned.
Express Tribune
05-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sindh starts distributing solar systems to 200,000 low-income families
Listen to article The Sindh government has commenced the distribution of solar home systems (SHS) to 200,000 low-income households across the province, as part of the Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP). Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah made the announcement at an event held near KPT Interchange, DHA Phase-I, where he also confirmed that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had ordered the purchase of an additional 300,000 solar units for distribution among low-income families. 'Through this initiative, we are providing solar power solutions to low-income households, enabling them to improve their quality of life, access better education for their children, and enhance their businesses,' said Shah. The solar home systems will be distributed with significant subsidies, making them more affordable for families in need. Each system includes a robust solar panel, a 80W solar panel, a smart power management unit, a long-lasting battery, and essential accessories such as LED bulbs, mobile charging facilities, and a pedestal fan. During his address, the CM also highlighted the challenges faced by the Sindh government in the renewable energy sector, particularly in the development of the Thar Coal Project. Despite setbacks from federal government policies and financial constraints, the provincial government has remained committed to expanding renewable energy sources. Shah noted that in 2014, the Sindh government took a bold step by solarising 600 schools in Nagarparkar and launching two solar power schemes in Sukkur. However, the federal government's refusal to approve additional power generation projects hindered further progress. "We faced significant opposition when we tried to introduce solar power in the country. However, despite the challenges, we continued with our efforts to ensure that Sindh meets its energy needs," he said. The CM also discussed the success of the Thar Coal Project, which has started to generate the cheapest electricity in Pakistan. He credited former President Asif Ali Zardari for his efforts in securing federal cooperation and ensuring the project's completion. 'We are proud that Thar coal is now playing a key role in providing affordable energy to Sindh and the wider country,' he added. The Sindh government is also working with the federal government to develop a railway line dedicated to transporting Thar coal, further boosting the province's energy autonomy. Additionally, the Sindh government has partnered with Chinese companies to develop wind-solar hybrid energy projects, with a focus on 350 MW and 75 MW schemes, which were finalised during Asif Ali Zardari's recent visit to China. The CM reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing 300 free electricity units per month to low-income families, aligning with the PPP's manifesto and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He expressed hope that the goal of distributing 200,000 SHS kits by July 2025 would be met, with a target of 400 kits per district per week. Energy Minister Nasser Shah emphasised that the SHS kits are being distributed equally across all 30 districts of Sindh. The distribution is being facilitated with the help of established NGOs like HANDS, SRSO, and SEFCO, ensuring the efficient delivery of kits. He also noted that beneficiaries are being carefully selected using data from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), ensuring that the most needy families are prioritised. The CM concluded by praising the work of the Sindh Energy Department and its team, stating that the province is determined to lead the way in the transition to clean energy, with the support of the World Bank and other international development partners. 'The Sindh Solar Energy Project is a crucial step towards a greener, more equitable future,' he added.
