Heed warnings about the unacceptable environmental hazards posed by this location
The government still has time to heed warnings about the unacceptable environmental hazards posed by the setting up a 1,320MW coal-fired power plant at Rampal in an Ecologically Critical Area some 10km from the Sundarbans..
Independent studies indicate insufficient safeguards have been implemented to mitigate the risks of coal burning, transportation and post-burn waste disposal at this site. The potential consequences in terms of pollution to air, soil, and water poses a major unnecessary threat to living organisms in the area.
It is not acceptable that public interest regulations designed to safeguard the biodiversity and wildlife of the world’s largest mangrove forest are being flouted by this project.
To make matters worse, if this project is allowed to proceed at this site, it risks opening the door for to other similar power plants at equally controversial locations.
The Indian power company behind the project is prevented by India’s own laws from setting up a coal power project at similarly sensitive locations within India.
Bangladesh has plenty of far more appropriate locations available, closer to industries, transport and supplies of coal, at which this type of power plant can be located. The government needs to give more regard to the high degree of public concern expressed about this project by moving its location.
Only by doing so can it fully reassure the public that vested interests will not be allowed to ride roughshod over laws to protect the environment.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
