Uplift of local areas in Thar: Sindh will utilise royalties from coal projects: Soomro

Sindh plans to direct royalties from coal projects towards development in Thar, Parliamentary Secretary Qasim Siraj Soomro said at the Sindh Energy and Climate Conference, Business Recorder reported. He acknowledged that safe drinking water remains a major concern and that many reverse-osmosis plants in the area are not working properly.

Community representatives challenged claims that energy investment has improved local lives, citing limited jobs, poor services, environmental damage and uncertainty over resettlement. They also raised concerns about wastewater disposal, pollution and the effects of energy projects on health and livelihoods.

Conference participants called for transparent use of energy revenues, fair compensation, community involvement and reliable electricity and water. Speakers also urged that energy planning account for the social and environmental costs borne by residents.