Lahore: Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah has ordered the authorities concerned to make efforts to protect the religious, cultural, and archaeological heritage of the Karunjhar Range before proceeding with exploring its mining potential, a news source reported.
Presiding over a meeting of the Mines & Mineral
Department on the issues of the Karunjhar Range, the CM stated that the protection
of the range’s heritage was his first and top priority before carrying out any
mining activities in the area. The provincial government plans to explore the
potential of mining granites, Iron Ore, China Clay, Gold, Fuller Earth, and
more minerals from the range.
CM Shah stated that the authorities concerned must safeguard and protect the heritage of the range before unlocking these reserves. An official informed the meeting that the Karunjhar Range comprises of the Karunjhar Forest, Dhingano Forest, Karunjhar Hills, Sadurus Forest, and a Wild Life Sanctuary.
The CM ordered the relevant departments to exclude the forest
lands, heritage sites and potential tourism spots from their mining plans, and
to safeguard their sustainability. He stated that if a granite mining license
was granted to the Karunjhar area, then it should be made conditional with
establishing the industry within Tharparkar district’s limits. He said that
that this would bring value addition, employment, and social benefits to the
region.
Stating that such Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) would be an integral part of the mining permission, he also ordered the Mines & Mineral Department to devise a draft policy. He added that this policy should allow at least one-third of the mining permits reserved for the locals of Tharparkar to ensure their inclusion and participation.
CM Murad also sought a detailed profile of mineral reserves
available in the range in order to formulate an appropriate mining policy. He
asked the authorities concerned to consult with all the stakeholders, including
the locals, in order to make the draft policy.
