QUETTA: Limestone of excellent quality is reported to have been discovered in large quantities in the Gondwana coal field area in Bogra district of East Pakistan.

The deposits of limestone, according to expert opinion, are ideally suited for producing cement not only to meet the requirements of the province but also for exports to foreign countries.

The deposits of limestone in the area are located at a depth of 1,200 feet and are estimated to be much more extensive than the existing coal deposits.

The EPIDC is examining the possibility of commercial exploitation of limestone and work will be taken in hand soon for this purpose. — Correspondent

Radio Pakistan adds: A spokesman of the Geological Survey said here today [Jan 9] that the bituminous variety of coal discovered in the area is estimated to be 70 crore tons, with several seams at various depths, the minimum being two to three thousand feet. Some of them are as thick as 100 feet.

He said drilling has been completed successfully, and commercial exploitation of the coal from the Bogra coalfield is expected to begin in the next three years.

[Meanwhile, as reported by our correspondent in Karachi] The cold January wind blowing in from the north-east took a toll of life in the small hours of the morning yesterday [Jan 9].

“Sain Baba”, a beggar, was found dead inside the Empress Market; after the post-mortem he was declared to have died of chill.

The chill north-easterly gathered the speed of 22 knots yesterday and the cold grew as the wind lashed the City the whole day.

Weather prophets said that it was the strong wind that gave the shivers – more than the temperature or the humidity warranted.

A Radio Pakistan report says: Quetta valley had the coldest day of the season on Sunday when the mercury dropped to 27 degrees below the freezing point. The minimum temperature was five degrees, as against twelve on Sunday.

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2017