KARACHI, Oct 21: Following confirmation by a German team of experts about existence of water deposits in Thar area, the authorities are waiting for a report by Chinese technocrats on selection of an appropriate technology before going for the installation of a coal-based power generation plant.

This was stated at a meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Dr Mutawakkil Qazi. The meeting was convened to review the progress on Thar Coal project and discuss measures to ensure its timely completion. It was noted that the project would usher in a new era of prosperity in Sindh.

Dr Qazi emphasized the need for close mutual cooperation among the concerned departments in order to overcome problems that could hinder implementation of the project.

The Sindh government had signed an agreement with a Chinese firm, M/s Shenhua, to establish the coal-fired power generation plant with an output of 300 to 600 mega watts. The row material — coal — for power generation is to be excavated from within the 50 square kilometre area to be leased out for the purpose.

Under the agreement, the assets of the plant would be restored to Sindh government after completion of the lease period i,e. 25-30 years. The project, a commercial venture, is likely to be commissioned by 2007.

According to a report, coal deposits in Thar are spread over an area of 9,000 square kilometres.