Those opposing coal extraction don't want dev of N-region: Tapan

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Energy Adviser Tapan Chowdhury Saturday said those who do not want development of the country's northern region are opposing extraction of coal from Phulbari coal mine, reports UNB.
"I don't want any debate about the mining methodology. But it's fact that those who oppose the open pit coal mine cannot present any alternative options as how coal could be utilised in a better way," he told a roundtable at the Jatiya Press Club.
The North Bengal Journalists' Forum organised the discussion with its president MA Aziz in the chair.
The Energy Adviser, who hailed from the country's northern region, said in a sad voice that a decision could have been taken much earlier if the Phulbari coal mine project had not been located in the northern region.
He said the northern region has a reserve of 1.6 lakh tonnes of world class hard rock, but the resource still remained unutilised.
Former Vice-chancellor of Dhaka University Maniruzzaman Mia, said there should be an immediate end to the ongoing debate on methodology of coal extraction.
He suggested formation of a northern region development authority to deal with the development projects in that region.
Former BCIC Chairman Monwar Hossain Chowdhury said open pit coal mining would be a better option for the country as it ensures 95 per cent extraction.