Faster Rampal plant execution demanded

A platform of businessmen, Mongla Port Users Coordination Committee has demanded faster implementation of the coal-fired Rampal thermal power plant in Bagerhat.

Secretary General of the committee Advocate Md Saiful Islam made the demand at a press briefing on Saturday at Khulna Press Club.

“Vested quarters are plotting to prevent any development possibility in south-east region," he said.

Islam claimed Rampal power plant would create job opportunities for millions in the country's south-east region and Mongla Port would be upgraded as an international port.

The National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports has been protesting establishment of the coal-fired 1320MW plant, saying the pollution emitted from it would endanger the ecology threatening the very existence of the world’s largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans, located only 14 kilometres off the plant site.

However, amid protests from environmentalists, political activists and the local people of Rampal, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh unveiled the foundation plaque of the power plant on Oct 5.

The Mongla Port Users Coordination Committee, which has been involved with the works in port since 1993, on Saturday claimed up to 200,000 metric tonnes of coal would be imported through Mongla port every month if the power plant was established.

Later, at least 500,000 metric tonnes of coal would be imported through the port after the power plant's generation capability would reach 5000MW. The platform said this would lead to massive economic development in the region.

The committee said more work at the port would create new jobs which would benefit both workers and businessmen and would help reduce poverty thus enabling the region to contribute in the national economy.

It claimed the coal-based Rampal power plant was being built nearly 20 kilometres away from the Sundarbans. "This will not harm the ecology."

The platform said the project was also certified by the Department of Environment. The platform also presented several examples including the survey of the World Coal Organisation to back its demand.

The platform of the Mongla port users include - Stevedores Association, C&F Agents Assocaition, Cargo Owners Association, Frozen Foods Exporters Association, Shipping Agents Association and Bangladesh Jute Association.