INTRODUCTION:
Tharparkar is located in the south-eastern arid zone of Pakistan’s Sindh province, at 24-26 North Latitude and 69-51 East Longitude. It is divided into two subdivisions: Mithi and Chachro, as well as four subdivisions (talukas): Mithi, Nagarparkar, Diplo, and Chachro. It is further subdivided into union councils, Dehs (the smallest revenue units), and Makans (the largest revenue units) (village clusters). Dehs and Makans total 166 and 913, respectively, with a total of 2005 villages. The district’s area is officially reported to be 19,637 km2, or approximately 4,791,089 acres, the majority of which (4,731,089 acres) is the Thar Desert. It has a population of about one million people, one-fourth of whom live in the Mithi taluka. Tharparkar is the largest district in Sindh. Because of its rich soil, the Sindh region is ideally suited for irrigation and agriculture. Due to its central connection with the Indus River, it offers an advantage for year-round farming and agriculture. The Thar, known as the largest desert in Pakistan, is home to a rich culture, heritage, traditions, folk stories, dances, and music that are created by people of many different religions, sects, and clans. the local communities, as most of the locals in the Thar Desert are attached to livestock for their living. They also farm (in some regions) and graze their animals. Their main occupations are woodworking, wool weaving, leather making, jewelry making, snake charm making, and farming. Pakistan’s Tharparkar district is considered to be underdeveloped. As a result of recurring droughts, the desert district gets media attention with its sand dunes and scattered vegetation. The district has been in the news a lot since 2015 due to the high number of newborn deaths caused by malnutrition and the lack of healthcare facilities. The main causes of high infant mortality are attributed to frequent droughts, extreme poverty, and inadequate social infrastructure. The presence of the 7th-largest lignite coal reserve in the world is another reason for Tharparkar’s prominence in the media. The development of coal mines and coal power plants has brought the district into the economic limelight, along with affected people’s protests over the construction of an effluent disposal reservoir near Gorano village in Islamkot Taluka.
Initially, the project will generate 660 megawatts of electricity, with subsequent phases eventually increasing capacity. In the excavations for the project, there was a layer of blackish toxic water and then coal reserves. Thar Coal is dumping contaminated wastewater into an open field. There was no wall or protective barrier around the field to prevent seepage. The proposed site at DukarCho to collect wastewater generated by coal mines was nearly 45 kilometers away, making it inaccessible to the Thar Coalfields. Pakistan has an energy shortage and requires cheap electricity. The cost of producing electricity is lower economically, but the ecological and environmental costs are high. The cost to lives, livelihoods, and social structures is very high.
This paper will be an attempt to assess problems caused to the villagers due to brackish subsoil water being pumped and its environmental effect on them. How the problems could have been handled better to avoid sociological and psychological issues for these people
BACKGROUND:
The Thar coal mine is located in the Thar Desert, in the south-eastern part of Pakistan’s Sindh province. It has one of the largest coal reserves in the world, with estimated reserves of around 175 billion tons of coal. The coal in the Thar region is primarily of lignite quality, which is a low-grade coal with a high moisture content. The Thar coal mine was first discovered in 1992, but it was not until the early 2000s that the government of Pakistan began to actively develop the mine. In 2013, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project was launched, which included plans to build a coal-fired power plant in the Thar region to meet Pakistan’s growing energy needs. Since the development of the Thar coal mine, there have been numerous challenges and controversies surrounding its environmental and social impacts. These include concerns about air and water pollution, as well as the potential displacement of local communities. There have also been issues related to the lack of infrastructure and basic services in the region, which have made it difficult for local communities to access the benefits of the mine. Despite these challenges, the Thar coal mine is seen as a key part of Pakistan’s energy strategy, and the government has made significant investments in its development. In recent years, efforts have been made to address some of the environmental and social impacts of the mine, including the implementation of strict environmental regulations and the establishment of a social development fund to support local communities.
ADVANTAGES:
Economic benefits:
The development of the mine and related infrastructure projects can bring new employment opportunities to the region, including both direct and indirect jobs, which can help to reduce poverty and improve living standards for local communities. The Thar coal mine and related projects can also create business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses, such as local contractors and suppliers who may be able to participate in the construction and operation of the mine, and local service providers such as restaurants and hotels that may benefit from increased demand from workers at the mine. Additionally, the Thar coal mine and related projects may attract investment from outside the region, which can stimulate economic growth and development in the area. It is important to consider the potential economic benefits of the Thar coal mine and to take steps to ensure that they are fairly distributed and accessible to local communities, including providing training and support to local people and promoting the involvement of local entrepreneurs and small businesses in the development and operation of the mine.
Infrastructure improvements:
The development of the Thar coal mine in Pakistan’s Sindh province has the potential to bring infrastructure improvements to the region. These improvements may include the construction of new roads, rail lines, and other transportation infrastructure to support the movement of people and goods, as well as new utilities such as power plants, water treatment facilities, and sewage systems. Additionally, the mine and related projects may require the construction of new housing and other facilities, such as schools and hospitals, to support the needs of workers and local communities. It is important to consider the potential infrastructure improvements that may result from the Thar coal mine and to take steps to ensure that they are designed and implemented in a way that maximizes their benefits for local communities. This can include ensuring that infrastructure projects are carried out in a transparent and fair manner, with proper compensation and support provided to affected communities, and promoting the participation of local communities in decision-making processes related to the development of the mine.
Energy security:
The development of the Thar coal mine in Pakistan’s Sindh province has the potential to contribute to energy security in the region. The mine is expected to produce approximately 6.8 billion tons of coal, which could be used to generate electricity and support other energy-intensive industries. This can help reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported fuel sources and improve its energy self-sufficiency. The Thar coal mine is expected to generate approximately 660 MW of electricity, which could help meet the growing demand for energy in the region and support economic development. A mathematical framework has provided accurate estimations that the Thar coal has a potential to produce 100,000 MW for the next 250 years, which shows greater interest in the development of industries and promotes socio-economic linkages with developed countries. (Raza et al., 2020) The use of domestic coal resources can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as it can replace more carbon-intensive energy sources, such as oil and gas. It is important to consider the potential energy security benefits of the Thar coal mine and to take steps to maximize them. This can include promoting the efficient and sustainable use of coal resources and investing in technologies and practices that can help reduce the environmental impacts of coal mining and use.
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Social benefits:
These benefits may include opportunities for local people to gain new skills and education through training programs; improved health care facilities and services in the region; and support for community development initiatives such as the construction of new schools, hospitals, and other public facilities. Ensuring that these benefits are fairly distributed and accessible to local communities can help to improve the quality of life for local communities and support economic development. It is important to consider the potential social benefits of the Thar coal mine and to take steps to ensure that they are realized, including by providing training and support to local people, promoting the involvement of local communities in decision-making processes related to the mine’s development, and investing in community development initiatives.
It is important to note that the potential advantages of a coal mine must be carefully balanced against any negative impacts it may have on the environment and local communities. It is essential to ensure that any negative impacts are minimized and managed effectively and that the benefits of the mine are shared fairly and equitably among all stakeholders.
DISADVANTAGES:
Environmental impacts:
Air pollution: The burning of coal for energy production releases a range of air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which can have negative impacts on human health and the environment. There are concerns that the development of the Thar coal mine and the construction of coal power plants in the region could lead to increased levels of air pollution.
Water pollution: The mining and processing of coal can also lead to water pollution, through the release of chemicals and heavy metals into surface and groundwater. There are also concerns about the potential impact of the release of brackish water from the coal mine into local rivers and streams, which could have negative effects on the quality of water used for irrigation and other purposes.
Land degradation: The development of the Thar coal mine has also been associated with land degradation, including the loss of vegetation and the alteration of the landscape. This can have negative impacts on local ecosystems and wildlife, as well as on the livelihoods of local communities that depend on the land for grazing and other purposes.
Land acquisition:
The development of the Thar coal mine in Pakistan’s Sindh province has been accompanied by controversy and disputes over land acquisition. The mine is located in a region that is predominantly inhabited by the Thari people, a pastoralist community that relies on the land for its livelihood. Some members of the Thari community have opposed the development of the mine, arguing that it will disrupt their traditional way of life and deprive them of their land and resources. There have also been allegations that the government and the companies involved in the development of the mine, including Engro and the China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), have not followed proper procedures for land acquisition and compensation. Some local people have claimed that they have not been fairly compensated for their land or that they have been forced to sell their land under duress. There have also been allegations of corruption and abuse of power in the land acquisition process. Overall, the issue of land acquisition for the Thar coal mine has been a source of tension and conflict between the local community and the government and companies involved in the project. It is important that any land acquisition for the mine be carried out in a transparent and fair manner, with proper compensation and support provided to local communities to ensure that their rights and interests are protected. The chairman of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, Muhammad Ali Shah, believes that the local people of Thar have not experienced the promised benefits and progress from the government’s land acquisition for coal power projects, and instead have faced increasing injustices. According to Shah, these acquisition and resettlement processes are characterized by unfairness, secretive decision-making, lack of transparency, and delays in compensation payments. He believes that private companies are the primary beneficiaries of the current situation and calls for a stop to further land acquisition until the proposed policy is implemented. (The News, 2020)
Health impacts:
The development of the Thar coal mine in Pakistan’s Sindh province has the potential to affect the health of the Thari people, who are the main inhabitants of the region. One major concern is the potential for air pollution from the burning of coal for energy production, which can release a range of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the air. These pollutants can have negative impacts on human health, including respiratory problems and other respiratory diseases. The construction and operation of the Thar coal mine and related infrastructure can also generate noise pollution, which can cause sleep disturbances, stress, and other negative health outcomes for local communities. Another potential health concern is water pollution, as the mining and processing of coal can release chemicals and heavy metals into surface and groundwater, potentially affecting the quality of water used for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes. This could lead to health problems such as gastrointestinal illness. It is important that the development of the Thar coal mine be carried out in a way that minimizes potential health impacts on the Thari people and other local communities. This can include the implementation of strict environmental regulations and monitoring programs to ensure that air and water quality are maintained, and the provision of adequate noise barriers to reduce noise pollution. It is also important to consider the health impacts of displacement and other changes to the local way of life that may result from the development of the mine. According to a study conducted by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), emissions from coal mines and power plants in Thar, Pakistan, could cause high levels of toxic deposits in the region and expose the local population to serious health risks. The study, titled “Air Quality, Health, and Toxic Impacts of the Proposed Coal Mining and Power Cluster in Thar, Pakistan,” was presented at a video conference organized by the Alliance for Climate Justice and Clean Energy. (E. Tribune, 2020)
Social impacts:
The development of the Thar coal mine in Pakistan’s Sindh province has the potential to have a range of negative social impacts on local communities. Some of the key negative social impacts of the Thar coal mine include:
Displacement: The development of the mine may require the acquisition of land, which could lead to the displacement of local communities and the loss of traditional sources of livelihood, such as grazing and farming. This could have social and psychological impacts on local communities, including feelings of loss, trauma, and social disruption.
Loss of traditional ways of life: The Thar coal mine and related infrastructure projects may also disrupt traditional ways of life for local communities, including patterns of land use, farming, and animal husbandry. This could have negative social and cultural impacts on local communities, as well as economic impacts if traditional sources of livelihood are disrupted.
Social conflict: The development of the Thar coal mine has been accompanied by controversy and disputes over land acquisition, and there have been allegations of corruption and abuse of power in the land acquisition process. This has the potential to create social conflict and tension between local communities and the government and companies involved in the project.
Political impacts:
The development of the Thar coal mine in Pakistan’s Sindh province has the potential to have a range of negative political impacts on local communities. One key concern is the potential for the loss of land and resources, as the development of the mine may require the acquisition of land, which could lead to the loss of traditional sources of livelihood and resources for local communities. This could have political implications, as it may diminish the power and influence of local communities and undermine their ability to advocate for their own interests. There have also been allegations of the suppression of voices and the involvement of intelligence agencies in the project due to its connection to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This could have negative political implications, as it may discourage local communities from expressing their opinions and concerns about the project and limit their ability to participate in decision-making processes. The lack of transparency and accountability in the land acquisition process for the Thar coal mine, with allegations of corruption and abuse of power, could also have negative political implications, as it may undermine trust in government and other institutions and contribute to a sense of disenfranchisement among local communities.
Safety concerns:
The development of the Thar coal mine in Pakistan’s Sindh province has raised concerns about the safety of local communities. The mining and processing of coal can be a hazardous activity, and there is a risk of accidents and incidents occurring at the Thar coal mine and related infrastructure projects. These could include explosions, fires, and collapses, which could pose a risk to the safety of local communities. The mining and processing of coal can also have negative environmental impacts, including air and water pollution, which could affect the quality of the air and water that local communities rely on for their health and well-being. The development of the Thar coal mine may also lead to the displacement of local communities and the loss of traditional sources of livelihood, such as farming and animal husbandry, which could pose a safety risk if local people are forced to move to new areas or adopt new ways of life that are unfamiliar or unsafe.As a result, loss of plant and animal species and loss of essential natural processes (agrobiodiversity) is threatened from high population growth. The socio- economic chain is very poor in thar desert; therefore, most people depend on natural resources and agrobiodiversity. (Usman et al., 2020, 8) It is important to consider the potential safety risks associated with the Thar coal mine and to take steps to minimize them by implementing strict safety regulations and monitoring programs and providing support and compensation to affected communities in the event of accidents or incidents.
INTERVIEWS:
Our first interview was with Mr. Naseer Memon, a former CSR Engro Foundation employee. When asked about the environmental impacts of the coal mine, the person we spoke with denied that it had any negative effects on the ecology of Thar. They claimed that there are other factors that affect the region’s ecology and that measures such as tree planting have been implemented to minimize the impact of the coal mine. However, when we raised the issue of the release of brackish water into the open grazing land, which is a major concern for the Tharis because their primary livelihood is animal husbandry, the person we spoke with reiterated that while 1500 acres of land had been allocated for the project, only 500 acres were being used and a thousand acres were still available for grazing. When asked about allegations of suppression of voices, the guest firmly denied that any voices had been suppressed and argued that there would be no reason for anyone to raise concerns about the project because it is helping the Thar community by providing training and economic growth opportunities. We pointed out that during our research, we had heard many complaints about the environmental effects of the project, to which the guest responded that there are people who do not want the project to succeed and people who have not personally benefited from it. The guest also mentioned that if there were any real issues with the project, newspapers like Dawn would have reported on them, but pointed out that Dawn had published an article called “Economy vs. Environment: Thar Coal and a Test of Pakistan’s Priorities,” which discussed the challenges faced by the Thar community due to the project. Overall, the guest seemed to be in denial about any negative aspects of the project and repeatedly emphasized the opportunities it was creating and how it was helping to develop specialized labor for local people.
The second guest, Dr. Sono Khangrani, the CEO of the Thardeep Microfinance Foundation (TMF), offered a different viewpoint on the Thar coal mine project. He argued that the project was not designed to benefit the local Thar community, and that if the government was truly concerned about the welfare of the Thar people, they would have made them partners in the project or at least leased the land from them so that they could have a permanent source of income. Instead, the government and Engro purchased the land and deprived the Thar people of their resources, leading to the displacement of many Thar people and the concentration of benefits among contractors and other businesses that were involved in the project. The guest also argued that there have been instances of voice suppression and the involvement of intelligence agencies in the project due to its connection to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The guest concluded that large projects like this one often do not benefit the local community and prioritize national interests over the needs of the community, citing the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam as another example. They described this as a narrow and isolated model of development that only serves national interests and does not benefit anyone else.
SOLUTION:
As an anthropologist, I would approach the problem of brackish subsoil water and its impact on villagers in a holistic and culturally sensitive manner. Some potential strategies that could be used to address this issue and mitigate its negative sociological and psychological effects on the affected communities could include:
Regulatory body:
It is important to set up regulatory bodies to consider the social and environmental impacts of projects like the Thar coal mine. To do this, they may need to involve anthropologists and environmentalists in the assessment process. Anthropologists can provide insights into the cultural and social impacts of the project on local communities, while environmentalists can assess the environmental impacts. By considering the perspectives of both groups, regulatory bodies can gain a more complete understanding of the potential impacts of the project and can make more informed decisions about whether to approve or reject the project, or to impose certain conditions on its operation. It is important for regulatory bodies to be transparent and accountable in their decision-making processes, and to consult with and involve relevant stakeholders, including local communities, in the assessment and decision-making process.
Partnership as a Strategy:
People should be made partners in the project, as suggested by our guest speaker, Dr. Sono Khangharani. He contended that the project was not intended to benefit the local Thar community, and that if the government was truly concerned about the Thar people’s welfare, it would have made them partners in the project or leased the land from them so that they could have a steady source of income. Instead, the government and Engro bought the land and took away the Thar people’s resources, displacing many Thar people and concentrating benefits among contractors and other businesses involved in the project. The money that has been allocated to the Thar people isn’t very helpful in taking them out of the bad situations they are in; instead, the government should have offered them assets that could prove to be valuable over the long run for the Thar people. By making local people partners in the project, the government and Engro can ensure that the Thar people are able to benefit from it in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Community involvement and empowerment:
One strategy that could be used to address the negative sociological and psychological effects of the Thar coal mine on local communities and to promote community involvement and empowerment is to involve local communities in the planning and decision-making processes related to the development of the mine. It is important to involve the affected communities in the decision-making process and to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are taken into consideration. This could include establishing mechanisms for consultation and communication with local communities, such as community advisory boards or public meetings, and ensuring that the views and concerns of local communities are taken into account when making decisions about the mine.
Alternative water sources:
To effectively address the negative environmental and psychological effects of the Thar coal mine on local communities and to mitigate the impact of brackish subsoil water being pumped by the mine, it is important to explore a range of alternative water sources. This could include identifying and developing new sources of clean, potable water that can meet the needs of local communities and support economic development. One potential option could be to identify and develop new groundwater aquifers in the region. This could involve conducting geological and hydrogeological studies to identify suitable aquifers, and then drilling wells and installing pumping and treatment systems to extract and purify the water. Groundwater resources can be a sustainable and reliable source of water as they are replenished through natural processes such as precipitation and infiltration. However, it is important to carefully assess the potential impacts of groundwater extraction on the local environment and to take steps to ensure that water resources are managed sustainably. Another option could be to explore the use of surface water sources, such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs, to meet the water needs of local communities. This could involve constructing dams or reservoirs to store and regulate the flow of surface water, or installing pumps and treatment systems to extract and purify the water. Surface water sources can be a valuable source of water for local communities, but they may be subject to variations in quality and availability due to factors such as seasonal changes, climate variability, and human activities. It is important to carefully assess the potential impacts of surface water development on the local environment and to take steps to manage water resources sustainably.
Education and awareness
Investing in education and training programs for local people can be an effective strategy for addressing the negative sociological and psychological effects of the Thar coal mine on local communities and promoting education and awareness about the mine and its impacts. This approach can help empower local communities by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to understand and address the issues that are most important to them. Education and training programs can take a variety of forms, including classroom-based instruction, online courses, or hands-on training and workshops. They can cover a wide range of topics, including the environmental and health impacts of the mine, the rights of local communities, and how to advocate for their needs and interests. To ensure that education and training programs are effective, it is important to involve local communities in the design and delivery of the programs and to tailor the programs to meet the needs and interests of local communities. This may involve conducting needs assessments to identify the specific education and training needs of local communities and developing programs that are responsive to these needs. It is also important to ensure that education and training programs are accessible and inclusive and that they are delivered in a culturally sensitive manner. This may involve providing support for transportation, childcare, or other needs to ensure that local people are able to participate in the programs and using culturally appropriate materials and approaches to engage local communities.
Infrastructure improvements:
Investing in the development of infrastructure projects that benefit local communities can be an effective strategy for addressing the negative sociological and psychological effects of the Thar coal mine on local communities and promoting infrastructure improvements. By constructing new roads, schools, healthcare facilities, or other public amenities, local communities can gain access to essential services and resources that can improve their quality of life and well-being. To ensure that infrastructure projects are effective, it is important that they are implemented, maintained, and operated in a manner that is consistent with the needs and interests of local communities. Finally, it may be useful to consider the use of partnerships or collaboration with local organizations or institutions to support the development of infrastructure projects. This could include working with local governments, NGOs, or community-based organizations to identify infrastructure needs and develop and implement projects that benefit local communities.
Conclusion:
It is true that the production of 660 MW of electricity from coal power can help to address Pakistan’s energy crisis, but it also has negative environmental impacts. Additionally, the people of Thar Parkar may not be benefiting as much as other parties involved in the project, and they may feel exploited by the companies and government. It is important that the government considers the needs and well-being of its citizens, rather than just focusing on economic gain. It may be possible to find alternative methods of producing electricity that are less harmful to the environment and more equitable. The people of Thar Parkar who already face difficulties due to living in a desert region with frequent droughts. The project has contributed to water and air pollution, as well as the release of brackish soil water, which has hindered the ability of local residents to engage in animal husbandry. While the project was intended to improve the lives of the people of Thar Parkar, it has only provided a few social benefits, such as employment and economic opportunities, and the losses for the local population due to the negative impacts of the project may outweigh the benefits they have received.
References
E Tribune. (2020, May 30th). Thar coal pollution will cause serious health risks. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2231358/thar-coal-pollution-will-cause-serious-health-risks
The News. (2020, November 26). Policy demanded for land acquisition and resettlement in Thar. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/749174-policy-demanded-for-land-acquisition-and-resettlement-in-thar
RAZA, M. A., Khatri, K. L., RAFIQUE, k., Memon, M. A., & MijrAT, N. H. (2020, February 23). Exploitation of Thar coal field for power generation in Pakistan:. a way forward to sustainable energy future. Energy Exploration & Exploitation. 10.1177/01445987221082190
Usman, F., Hussan, F., & Leghari, S. U. (2020). Possible Threats to Agrobiodiversity of Thar Desert in Pakistan. GU JOURNAL OF PHYTOSCIENCES, https://www.gudgk.edu.pk/phy-to-science-journal, 8.
Abbreviations:
Abbreviations Meanings
ACJCE Alliance for Climate Justice and Clean Energy
CMEC China Machinery Engineering Corporation
CPEC China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
CREA Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air
CSR Corporate Social Responsibility
ENGRO Energy for Growth
PFF Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum
SECMC Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company
TRDP Thardeep Rural Development Program
TMF Thardeep MicroFinance Foundation
This Report is written by Yasir Baig, a student of Bs Anthropology from Quaid-i-Azam university, Islamabad.
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