GOVT UNMOVED BY ENVIRONMENTALISTS’ CONCERN Rampal plant foundation stone laying Oct 22

This September 15 Star photo shows land development is going on at the site of Rampal power plant in Bagerhat.

This September 15 Star photo shows land development is going on at the site of Rampal power plant in Bagerhat.

Amid strong opposition from different quarters including environmental activists, a top official Wednesday announced the foundation stone of the controversial project would be laid on October 22.

Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, energy adviser to the prime minister, made the announcement when a large group of activists, who started a long march Tuesday to drum up support against the project, were on their way to the Rampal project site, which is only 14 kilometres off the world’s largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans.

The National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports organised the long march.

Addressing a press conference at Bidyut Bhaban, the energy adviser said India will test supply 250 megawatt power to Bangladesh from Thursday while the final supply will begin on October 5.

Source: The Daily Star