THIS is apropos the report ‘Heavy ecological costs of coal power plant’ (July 21). The report shows that the government persuades commercial farming to switch from food to fuel and export crops. Why are off-the-grid solar and wind systems not considered to cope up with energy crisis? The intention to run coal turbines will require huge amounts of water, whose exit will damage water bodies. Why is water valued so little when it is necessary for food security in growing food crops, dairy livestock, forests, fisheries?

Levying a 30pc duty on the imports of solar panels also seems a devious plan to make renewable energy more expensive.

Roshan Bhatti

Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum

Karachi