Study links rising lightning strikes in Thar to coal mining

KARACHI: The government must explore cleaner alternative energy options, as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from coal mining and power plants are contributing to localised warming and increased atmospheric humidity, experts warned on Friday.

In recent years, Pakistan has faced severe weather anomalies, including extreme heatwaves, torrential rains, glacial melt, and a series of disasters such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), forest fires, riverine and flash floods, hill torrents, snowless winters, and prolonged heatwaves.

A lesser known but growing anomaly, largely overlooked by climate experts, is the significant increase in thunderstorms and lightning strikes in Tharparkar, Sindh. Experts highlighted this phenomenon at the launch of a study titled ‘Exploring the Link Between Lightning Strikes and Coal: A Case Study of Tharparkar’ by the Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development (PRIED) at a local hotel.

The study revealed that incidents of lightning strikes have surged exponentially in Tharparkar, particularly in areas where coal mining is underway, and coal-fired power plants operate. These strikes have wreaked havoc on local communities, resulting in dozens of fatalities, significant livestock losses and the destruction of houses and crops across vast areas.

The report called for assessing anthropogenic factors, such as GHG emissions, particulate matter, dust, ash, and increased humidity, to determine their correlation with the rising number of lightning strikes.

Dr Zulfiqar Ali Umrani, Director of the ORIC and Sustainability Office at Ziauddin University, Karachi, pointed out that studies from the US and India have shown a link between coal mining regions and increased lightning incidents. He urged Pakistan to promote clean energy alternatives, including energy production from waste, which is abundantly available in major cities.

An official from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) stated that the department is aware of the rise in lightning strikes. He revealed that the provincial government is developing a comprehensive response plan to address calamities, including lightning-related incidents.

Dr Sardar Sarfaraz from the Meteorological Department of Sindh explained that while the department cannot conclusively establish a relationship between coal mining and lightning strikes due to insufficient data, it acknowledges the need for further research on the matter.

CEO of PRIED Badar Alam discussed interviews conducted with Tharparkar residents who have been direct victims of lightning strikes. He also highlighted data from affected villages and the desk research comprising expert interviews and scientific analysis.