KARACHI, June 25: The Sindh government has earmarked Rs154 million in the 2002-03 budget for carrying out feasibility studies and other schemes for the development of coal fields and other minerals in the province.

Some of the schemes have already been approved, while others are in the process. But the government has also made the provision of funds for the schemes, said provincial minister for mines and mineral development, Dewan Muhammad Yousuf Farooqui, here on Tuesday.

He said that Rs70 million have been allocated for assessment of water resources of the Thar coal field.

This is hundred per cent allocation as it has been estimated that this study would cost the amount set aside for it, he said, adding that the scheme has been approved in principle as water availability in Thar is one of the basic needs.

The bankable feasibility study of coal mining would cost Rs198 million for which Rs39 million have been allocated, besides Rs10 million earmarked for other applications of Thar Lignite costing about Rs75 million, he said.

Five new schemes are in the process of approval, Dewan Yousuf said, adding that funds have been made available for them that include exploration and assessment of coal deposits at Lakhra coal field in an area of 50sq kms, town planning and construction of an airstrip at Islamkot in Thar, construction of road from Badin to Mithi, including feasibility study for transportation of minerals; evaluation and assessment of granite in Nagarparkar and upgradation of Mines Polytrade Training Institute at Khanote, Dadu district.

The exploration and assessment of coal deposits at Lakhra would cost Rs55 million for which Rs5 million have been provided; Rs10 million have been provided for town planning and an airstrip at Islamkot that would cost Rs20 million, Rs15 million have been set aside for the Badin-Mithi road costing about Rs150 million, evaluation of granite scheme would cost Rs2 million and up- gradation of polytrade training centre has been estimated to cost Rs3 million and the required amount of both the schemes has been made available, the minister said.—PPI