The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) marked Earth Day in Mithi, Tharparkar, by hosting a seminar themed ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ bringing together government representatives, regulators, civil society organisations and local stakeholders.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani highlighted the growing importance of sustainable practices in Thar, noting that environmental responsibility must go hand in hand with development. He also acknowledged the work of the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company and Thar Foundation, appreciating their efforts to improve quality of life in Thar.
He noted that the foundation’s inclusive approach, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflected a long-term commitment to the region and its people. Under the Thar Million Tree Program, the Thar Foundation has planted over 1.2 million trees in Block II, while around 32,000 saplings have been planted in Mithi and Islamkot as part of Thar Green Project. The Foundation has also established Pakistan’s first flora station in Thar, following a comprehensive flora fauna study in 2023. In addition, more than 15,000 youth have been trained in environmental awareness and vulture conservation, contributing to stronger community engagement on climate and biodiversity.
Dr Lalani added that there was a need to protect natural resources while ensuring that local communities continued to benefit from ongoing progress in the Thar region. The deputy director of the Environmental Protection Agency Mirpurkhas, Ali Muhammad Rind, also appreciated the ongoing efforts to protect the environment and urged people to plant more trees, conserve water, avoid plastic bags, reduce electricity consumption and adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.
The seminar concluded with a shared resolve among stakeholders to continue working together towards a more sustainable future for Thar. The participants emphasised the importance of collaboration between government, industry and communities to ensure that the development remained responsible, inclusive and environmentally conscious for the betterment of Tharparkar and its communities.
