National Committee to stage long march towards Rampal again

BAGERHAT: Convener of the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Port (Oil-Gas Committee) Sheikh Muhammad Shahidullah Friday announced a long march again to stop the implementation of coal power plant adjacent to the Sundarbans, a world heritage site.
Addressing a conference of activists of the Oil-Gas Committee at Bagerhat upazila, its convener said they are taking all the necessary preparations for the fresh long march to save the Sundarbans as well as the local people from adverse impacts of the coal power project, according to a news agency.
The central leaders of the Oil-Gas Committee are now touring every district to prepare for the long march.
Shahidullah said the 1320MW coal power project was initiated against the people’s desire, and the government is still pursuing it to serve the interest of foreigners.
If the project is implemented, ships will ply across the water routes inside the Sundarbans 236 days a year, he said, adding that about one million  tonnes of ash and huge mercury will be emitted into the environment.
The coal-based power plant at Rampal will destroy the flora and fauna of the mangrove forest which lies within a few kilometers from the area, he stressed.
The Oil-Gas Committee convenor also condemned the government for giving permission to Orion Group, a private group of companies, to set up a 630MW thermal power plant at Buridanga union parishad at Mongla upazila in the district.
The area lies closer to the Sundarbans compared to Rampal, he added.
The Oil-Gas Committee staged a long march from May 24 to 28 last year in protest against the proposed coal fired power plant at Rampal.