Civil Society Backs Thar Residents Opposing Coal Mining Expansion
The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) and The Knowledge Forum, in collaboration with civil society representatives and affected communities, held a key meeting at the NCHR Karachi office on August 6, 2025, to address the growing concerns around the Thar Coal mining expansion in Block II.
The discussion focused on the Sindh government’s plan to increase coal production from 7.6 million to 11.2 million tons annually while reducing coal prices by 9%, a move that residents fear will lead to the forced displacement of villages, loss of agricultural land, groundwater contamination, and destruction of natural grazing areas.
Representatives from Tharparkar, including local activists and affected families, shared their grievances, citing a lack of job opportunities for locals, non-functional government schools and hospitals, and worsening water scarcity due to failing RO plants. Concerns were also raised about illegal soil excavation and the construction of a new dam, which threatens vital water sources.
Mehwish Leghari, who works for the Pakistan Research Institute for Development and Equity (PRIDE), criticised the recent public hearing held by the Thar Coal and Energy Board (TCEB) in Karachi.
The hearing was about changing coal prices and expanding mining in Thar Coalfield Block-II (TCB-II). “The officials presented reports that made Tharparkar look like a prosperous place,” she pointed out, “but the reality is that a village with over 8,000 people is facing displacement. The local community firmly rejected the expansion plans,” she added.
Veteran journalist Suhail Sangi expressed concern about the lack of environmental research. “Even with all the big mining going on, there haven’t been any trustworthy environmental studies done,” he pointed out. “Thar’s power is helping people from elsewhere, but the region itself still lacks electricity and rail links. That new railway line will be used for coal, not to help the people who live there.”
Dozens of people from Tharparkar, who had travelled from Mithi and Islamkot areas to voice their concerns, were upset about being overlooked for jobs. “The jobs are going to outsiders—people from Punjab, Kashmir, even China—while the local Thari residents are left out in the cold,” explained Surendar Singh and Harchand Bheel.
They also claimed that the RO water purification plants aren’t working and that many government schools and hospitals only exist on paper, not in reality.
Anis Haroon, Member of the NCHR, explained that the Commission has been highlighting the struggles of the people in Tharparkar since 2016 and is firmly dedicated to protecting their rights.
The meeting concluded with a collective call for transparent policies, environmental protections, and meaningful inclusion of local communities in decision-making processes to ensure justice and sustainability in Tharparkar.
