29 October 2018 | Shamim Jahangir | The Daily Sun
-------------------------------
The government has allowed two separate investigations into ‘illegal’ land acquisition for implementing a coal-fired power plant in Barisal.
A joint team of the ministry of power and energy and Power Development Board (PDB) will investigate the matter and submit a report to the authorities concerned. Besides, PDB will carry out a separate investigation into the issue.
A joint venture of China-based Power China and local ISO Tech Electrification Company Limited will set up the 307MW supercritical coal-fired power plant at a cost of $540 million. A 300-acre site was selected for the project at Angujan village of Taltali upazila in Barguna. The authorities moved to allow the investigation after the villagers formed a human chain to protest against the land acquisition process that they said has left many landowners suppressed by brokers.
On August 2, 2018, the villagers submitted a public petition to prime minister requesting the government to halt the project. Rafiqul Islam Jomaddar, local Nishanbaria Union Parishad panel chairman, forwarded the petition on behalf of the villagers.
Rafiqul alleged that the company was purchasing lands with the help of illegal brokers suppressing the landowners.
Locals said power plant is being constructed in coastal Barguna, an area surrounded by reserved land having wildlife and fish sanctuary.
Talking about the land acquisition issue, ISO Tech site Director Engineer Murad said they have solved all the problems on land acquisition.
BPDB on April 12 signed power purchase agreement with Barisal Electricity Company Limited for 25 years from the commissioning of the Barguna power plant.
The Power Division issued a letter of Intent (LoI) in favour of the company in July 2018. It also received site the clearance certificate in June 2018.
The joint venture company plans to submit the EIA before the department of environment anytime in October, sources concern said.