KARACHI, Jan 3: The chief secretary of Sindh has directed provincial secretaries to complete all ongoing development projects within their deadlines in a transparent manner.The chief secretary, Fazlur Rehman, was addressing a meeting of secretaries at his office on Saturday.

The meeting reviewed various matters including progress on ongoing development projects.

The meeting decided to take immediate steps for tree plantation in coastal areas of Sindh. In this regard a joint strategy would be adopted by the departments of forest and livestock, works and services, and finance.

It was also decided that the forest and livestock departments would immediately issue notifications for providing protection to mangroves forests.

The district coordination officer of Karachi was assigned the task of taking steps for the construction of a brick pitch on both sides of Nahr-i-Khayyam to protect Clifton Boat Basin and adjoining areas. A strategy would also be formulated in coordination with the planning and development department for the installation of a desalination plant.

The meeting reviewed the cleanliness situation at the Christian cemetery (Gora Qabristan). The problem of underground water at the cemetery would be controlled in cooperation with the Clifton cantonment board.

According to another decision, a meeting of the Thar coal energy board would be convened to chalk out a policy to help solve the energy crisis.—APP