As many as 91 projects in water sector were being implemented while 16 electricity supply schemes were underway in various parts of Balochistan, official sources told APP here on Sunday. These projects aimed at providing clean drinking water and electricity supply facilities to the people in the province, the sources said, adding that the government would construct 54 more small dams in different districts aimed at resolving water scarcity problems in the province.

The Ministry of Environment has recommended comprehensive legislation on energy conservation and management to overcome the energy shortfall and smooth running of industry and other businesses. The ministry, in its recently formulated Energy Conservation Policy by one of department's, National Energy Conservation Centre (Enercon), has also recommended development of conservation codes and standards.

Federal Water and Power Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that Kalabagh is a controversial dam and the government does not intend to start this project. "At the end of this year, Wapda will overcome the power crisis, since the government has started 2,200 MW power generation projects on the fast track basis and will be accomplished by the year-end," he told a press conference on Monday at the Wapda House.

Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB) Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Memon has said the government is actively considering proposals to address the problems of the people of desert areas of Sindh. Memon, talking to people during his visit to different villages of Tharparkar district, said the issues to be addressed would particularly included provision for energy and safe water, according to a press release issued here on Friday. The prime objective of the government, he said, was to provide all facilities to the people of the desert as well as remote parts of the country.

The LPG marketing companies have again increased the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by Re 1 to Rs 52 per kilogram in Karachi, Rs 54 in Punjab and Rs 56 in NWFP. Chairman of LPG Distributors Association Hadi Khan said here Tuesday that the retail price of 11.8 cylinder is up by Rs 10 to Rs 550 in Sindh while it is Rs 580 in Punjab and Rs 605 in NWFP.

A seminar on "Energy Crisis in Pakistan" will be held at a local hotel on May 20.The seminar is being organised in connection with the second anniversary of a magazine to discuss and recommend measures for resolving energy crisis and suggest the use of alternate energy and more prudent methods of energy conservation.

The federal cabinet is holding a special meeting on Wednesday (today) to discuss the energy crisis going on in the country. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani will preside over the meeting. It is one point agenda meeting with a purpose to find out some workable solution to the energy crisis. The last federal cabinet meeting had discussed energy crisis but due to seriousness of the crisis it decided to hold a special meeting for finding some solution to the problem. The energy crisis is turning worst with each passing day and it demands of the government a quick workable solution.

The Cabinet will shortly consider energy conservation plan put forward by the Enercon, it has been reliably learnt. Sources told Business Recorder that recently Enercon presented a proposal recommending conserving energy. Therefore, a meeting of all stakeholders and concerned departments has been called to discuss the issue.

The Chinese centre One Telecom International Holding Limited has offered to install very low consuming and zero power search LED solar lights at different places in Karachi, especially parks under Pak-China joint venture. A delegation of the company, led by its Deputy General Manager Yu Ping, called on acting City Nazim Nasrin Jalil at her office here on Saturday. The delegation informed acting City Nazim: "The LED solar lights not only consumes very low energy, but also flashes provide sharp lighting and has a life span of 20 years."

A special meeting of the Federal cabinet will be called shortly in which various proposals to effectively resolve the energy crisis will be discussed with all the stakeholders. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani stated this while addressing MNAs, MPAs and office-bearers of the Pakistan People's Party at the State Guest House here on Saturday.