In the article of Mr. M Saeed titled, 'Hydel is it' that appeared in your newspaper on January 31, 2009, the reference to Thar Coal is not based on factual data. Thar is the largest single coal deposit in the world at approx. 174 billion tons. It is low in Sulpher content (0.92 to 1.340/0). While it is, indeed, lignite coal, that makes it most suitable for gasification/liquefaction. In terms of potential, it is equivalent to billions of barrels of oil, which is more than the combined oil reserves of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran. The figures given by the author in the article are way off the mark. The real solution to Pakistan's present energy crisis is not sole reliance on hydel, gas or oil but to have a judicious energy mix of hydel, gas, coal, nuclear and the alternate (environment-friendly) resources. We must drastically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which currently is in the range of 35-40% of the total mix. In most countries, fossil fuels in power generation are used no more than 10%. The challenge is to ensure maximum utilization of indigenous resources so that the energy sector and the economy is insulated from the large variations in oil prices, which has made electricity generation practically unaffordable for us at present. It has also effected a sharp increase in petrol, diesel and kerosene prices. Prudent and cost-effective mining and utilization of coal is a must to produce Syngas, fertilizers, chemicals and, of course, electric power. -MUNAWAR AHMAD, Lahore, February 4.