Protest rages on against open pit mining plan
Our Correspondent, Rangpur
A section of people of Phulbari in Dinajpur under the banner of Phulbari Rakha Committee is opposing the open pit mining method proposed by Asia Energy for Phulbari coal mining project and cleared by the Department of Environment last month.They are also protesting possible eviction of 40,000 to 50,000 people from the proposed 6,500-hectare coal mining site. Leaders and members of the committee are organising demonstrations, processions and rallies at Phulbari municipal town to create public awareness about harmful effects including environmental and social hazards of the mining project. The 171-member committee is headed by Phulbari Municipality Chairman Shahajahan Ali as its convenor. "People of Phulbari are getting united to resist the open pit mining as it will result in a long term environmental and socio-economic hazards for residents of 40- square km area," Shahjahan told this correspondent. All houses, schools, madrasas, shops and other commercial units within a 6,500-hectare area might face removal in the process of coal mining using open pit method, he pointed out. "This will destroy the heritage and culture of Phulbari. We cannot allow this to happen, and therefore, we are protesting open pit mining." Replying to a question, the municipal chairman however said people of Phulbari would consider giving up their protest 'if the method of mining is changed'. Leaders of the National Oil and Gas Protection Committee addressed a rally organised by the committee at the municipal town on September 24. Speakers at the rally, attended by several thousand people, demanded that the government must take steps within three weeks to stop Asia Energy from going ahead with its mining project. The rally was addressed by Sheikh Mohammad Shahidullah of the protection committe, Abdul Matin of Bangladesh Socialist Party and Tipu Biswas of the Communist Party of Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Badruzzaman, a geologist of Asia Energy, said the company has set up an information centre at Phulbari to enable local people to know about the gigantic project. East Phulbari would fall in the mining area and a new township with all civic amenities would be developed on the west of the Chhoto Jamuna river as an extension of the existing western part of Phulbari town, he said. "The affected people will be compensated for their loss of land, property and livelihood," he claimed.
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