I SUGGEST some solutions to be considered by the relevant authorities dealing with the energy crisis.

First, the government must seriously consider undertaking work on major hydel-power projects sooner rather than later. If the Kalabagh Dam is for some reason controversial (at least, politically), then the delay in undertaking work on the Bhasha and Monda Dams is beyond comprehension.

The irony is that the government has not allocated major funds for construction of 'big' dams inits budget for the financial year 2011-12. This lukewarm response of the government is further exacerbating the energy crisis.

The sooner the work on Basha dam is started, the better it is for mitigating the crisis, as well as for alleviating people's frustrations.

The government must not remain complacent about just laying the foundation stone of the Diamer-Basha Dam. Concrete measures in the form of annual budgetary allocations need to be taken, exploring all other sources of the requiredfinances simultaneously Second, the Dr Samarmubarak Mand-led Thar coal power project should be given due importance. It is a pity that scientists had to purchase compressors for his project from junk dealers for he failed to buy or import a new one.

I emphasise upon the government the need to ensure an adequate allocation in the budget for this project.

Third, windmill power projects can also alleviate our energy crisis to a large extent. According to anestimate, we can generate at least 50,000 MW of electricity with the help of windmills.

Fourth, instead of purchasing costly electricity from independent power producers, we can seek help from the Chinese who had offered to produce cheap electricity in Pakistan.

Fifth, the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project also needs to be expedited.

Successful implementation of the project would help us in overcoming the crisis to a large extent. Besides, further extending the pipeline all the way to India via Pakistancould accrue extra financial benefits for our country.

Last but not least, an austerity principle in the consumption of electricity must be observed across the board, affecting both commoners and the ruling elite. Besides, all possible energy conservation techniques need to be executed.

In a nutshell, all or a combination of the abovementioned alternative means of producing energy must be given due consideration to extricate our country from the prevailing economic-cumpolitical quagmire. This willalso guarantee democracy's survival and Pakistan's integrity.

ATHER NAVEED Peshawar