Keenjhar Lake Resort Project - Sindh Board Of Investment ...

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Bird hunting / catching is done at least 4 months in a year when fishing is off season;
Stone mining – local labour takes 3 to 4 days to fill one truck load with stones from the
surrounding area – compensation is about Rs 150 per person; and
Porters at train stations and bus terminals.
Absence of any development has resulted in exploitation of the surrounding areas, which has
resulted in degradation of the natural flora and fauna in a large area. We were informed that
locals had cut off trees in certain areas so that visitors can use their thatched huts for shade.
7.5.3 Site Conditions: 100kms radius
Four major cities exist within the 100kms radius of Keenjhar these include Karachi,
Hyderabad, Thatta and Kotri. The total combined population of these major cities nears 20
million.
Approximately 2 million people living in the 100kms radius have earnings of PKR 47,000 per
month (PKR 25,000 per month as per 1998 census) and hence havethe capacity to spend
money on holidays.
The largest city, Karachi, is among the ten most populated cities in the world, with an
estimated population between 16 to 18 million. Keenjhar Lake is easily accessible through
National Highway and the Rail Link from Karachi to Hyderabad via Jhimpir, the nearest
railway station to the Site (approximate distance: 10 – 15 kms)
Areas within the immediate proximity of the Project site (mainly Thatta district) generally lack
basic infrastructure facilities such as schools, electricity, gas, health etc. The unemployment
rate is very high and there is a heavy reliance on fishing by the people living in nearby
villages, thus minimal exposure to other income generating avenues. Fishing conditions have
been deteriorating over the years mainly due to lack of control over fishing and measures
need to be taken to replenish the lake with enough seed to maintain the level of catch for the
fishermen.
Literacy level is generally very low followed by a lack of basic skills due to minimal or no
vocational trainings. Skilled labor is mainly procured/ moved from other bigger cities like
Karachi and Hyderabad.
The proposed Project will be a source of economic stimulus and an environmental lifeline for
the area, offering:
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Managed tourism activities that work in harmony with the environment,
Increased economic activity, providing business and employment opportunities,
An alternate income generating avenue for the local population that integrates them with
the development and conservation activities; and
A socio-economic and environmental uplift for the area.
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Keenjhar Lake Resort Project - Project Information Memorandum