Staff Reporter:
Rampal coal-fired power plant will be the largest source of air pollution in Bangladesh, causing premature deaths to as many as 150 people every year, said Lauri Myllyvirta Greenpeace through a video conference from Myanmar on Friday.
Greenpeace is a non-governmental global environmental organisation. This coal and air pollution expert conducted a study on the environmental impact of the Rampal coal-fired power plant at the request from Bangladesh’s National Committee to Protect the Sundarbans (NCPS). The study was conducted using the CALPUFF air pollution modelling system recommended by the United States’ Environment Protection Agency for assessing long-range transport of pollutants and their impacts. At a press conference in the capital, Convener of the NCPS Sultana Kamal said, “We’re opposed to building coal power plant in any where in the country as developed countries has been shutting down coal power plant considering its higher pollution.”
NCPS, Doctors for Health and Environment and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolan jointly organised the conference at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity auditorium on Friday to reveal the international study conducted by Lauri.
Bangladesh’s Forest and Environment Ministry allowed the Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) for building Rampal coal power plant by complying 59 conditions.
Sultana Kamal also said the coal-fired power plant is being diagnosed as a most harmful one to the ecosystem. “Most of the countries are avoiding setting up of coal-fired plant anew,” she added.
The study by the Greenpeace expert also feared that some 600 babies would be born underweight every year, thanks to the adverse impact of the air-pollution caused by the plant.
Joining the event in Dhaka through video conference, Lauri Myllyvirta said the plant would emit high levels of mercury, a potent neurotoxin that damages children’s brains and nervous systems.
The expert said the mercury pollution could affect fish production.
“Over its operational lifetime, the plant’s emissions will increase the risk of stroke, lung cancer, heart and respiratory diseases in adults, as well as respiratory symptoms in children,” stated the study report.
Dr Abdul Motin, Sharif Zamil and physician and child specialist Nazmun Nahar and Abu Sayeed also spoke at the function.
