'Rampal plant being established complying int'l standard'

In the wake of environmentalists' movement against Rampal power plant, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka has said the power plant is being established complying standards of international organisations.

"This power plant is being established following all rules and regulations of the Department of Environment of the Government of Bangladesh and complying standards of international organizations as well," Gina Uika, first secretary (Economic & Projects) of the Indian High Commission said in a press release.

The statement also said the Sundarbans is situated about 14 kilometres away from the proposed plant site and the Government of Bangladesh has properly conducted an EIA study on August 8, 2013.

"The proposed project site is 4.0 kilometres further away from the ecological boundary limit of 10 kilometres as provided for in the national law. The nearest boundary of the world heritage site of Sundarbans is situated more than 69 kilometres away from the power project."

It also said Modern Super Critical Technology would be used in the plant, which would control and reduce emission of green house gas and ash.

"While transporting to the plant, the coal would be covered so water or air will not be polluted," said the Indian High Commission.

The National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports has long been opposing the coal plants saying that the projects would pose major threat on the biodiversity of the forest, life of the water species and livelihood of the people who depend on the forest's resources. They also protest the government plan to establish an economic zone, cement factories, shipyards and silo near the power plants.

The government, however, claims that the projects would not harm the Sundarbans as they would use advanced technology to cut emission of hazardous gases including carbon dioxide, fine particles and fly ash, and properly dispose the solid and liquid wastes.

Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Ltd (BIFPCL), a joint venture of PDB and NTPC of India, is developing the 1320MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project at Rampal which will use imported coal. Besides, local firm Orion Group is building a 566MW power plant in Rampal area.