Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Mohammad Tajul Islam on Wednesday said before implementing any projects in Rampal power plant area all kinds of industries including the power plants should take necessary clearance from the Ministry of Environment.
The parliamentary watchdog feels that only sustainable development could protect the environment and ensure the long-lasting socio-economic development.
Following a two-day visit to Rampal under Bagerhat district, the Parliamentary watchdog said the 1320 MW Rampal coal fired power projects will emit carbon and sulphur at the tolerant level declared by the World Bank.
Describing the whole package of the 1320 MW coal fired Rampal thermal power projects, he said, “This project will create a huge employment opportunity for 20,000 people of the locality who are now mostly engaged in dangerous professions like woodcutting or honey collecting inside the Sunderbans,” he added.
He said to know the situation of the areas surrounding the Sundarbans and to understand the reality of the propaganda that Rampal power plant would destroy the forests, he himself visited the areas with some government officials and found that this project is environment friendly and it would be not hamper the habitat there rather, it will bring prosperity to people living in and around Rampal area.
“To ensure the present pace of development, we need more electricity and more energy which is a vital component in development of any country.
However, in 2009, we chalked out a plan to increase the production of electricity. To pave way to our development agenda we had taken up short-medium and long term plans, now we are at the stage to implement the long-term plans in power sector,” Mohammad Tajul Islam MP said.
Citing example of USA, EU and India, the lawmaker said “USA and EU countries are now generating 78 per cent electricity from coal. However, India is producing 68 per cent electricity from coal as it is a cheap fuel compared with the diesel and furnace oil,” he said.
“To address the carbon and sulphur issue in proper manner, the government will use the latest technology to protect the Sundarbans mangrove forest and the habitat there,” the member of the parliament said.