Bangladesh, renowned for its vibrant culture and breathtaking natural landscapes, now faces mounting environmental challenges, particularly surrounding the controversial Rampal Power Plant. This facility not only threatens the local ecosystem but also poses significant risks to the health of nearby communities.
Situated just 14 kilometers north of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sundarbans, the Rampal Power Plant began operations at the end of 2022, dispelling serious environmental concerns since its inception. It operates as the 2x660 MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project, recognized for its expansive capacity of 1,320 megawatts. Following the commencement of its first unit, experts warned of the potential consequences of lack of proper waste management practices.
Specifically, the plant has been discharging untreated wastewater directly to the Pasur and Maidara rivers, violating environmental regulations set by the Department of Environment. This disregard for mandated effluent treatment processes has raised alarms about the sustainability of the surrounding aquatic life and the food chain linked to the Sundarbans. An alarming report released by the Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) emphasizes significant dangers associated with this neglect.
According to the CEGIS report, this unchecked pollution severely threatens local biodiversity and may render fish caught from these rivers unsafe to eat. Anu Muhammad, known for his environmental advocacy, expressed grave concerns about the worsening conditions: "The river will be destroyed. This will harm the entire food chain of the Sundarbans. No technology can fix this damage."
The scientific community is echoing these concerns. Malik Fida A Khan, CEGIS's executive director, highlighted the concerning rise of mercury levels detected throughout the rivers, with pollutant concentrations significantly exceeding government safety thresholds. Meanwhile, river contamination is not solely the result of the power plant; nearby cement factories play their part as well. Experts fear this combination could devastate the local environment, straining aquatic ecosystems and impacting residents who depend on these water bodies.
Since February 2023, CEGIS teams have sampled water from locations adjacent to the power plant and have continually found mercury levels exceeding acceptable limits—0.0001 mg/L, according to governmental standards. The alarming discovery revealed levels of mercury as high as 0.001 mg/L during their studies. These elevated mercury levels pose risks to small organisms like phytoplankton and zooplankton, which are fundamental components of aquatic ecosystems. When these tiny organisms absorb mercury, they inadvertently transfer it up the food chain, impacting fish and other wildlife as well as human health.
Local residents, who rely on these rivers not only for their livelihoods but also for daily activities such as bathing and washing, now face the grave reality of unsafe water. Community members are increasingly aware of these threats; Noor Alam, convener of the Bagerhat branch of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon, confirmed the visible decline of water quality: "The water of the Pasur has become evidently polluted."
CEGIS's inspections found numerous violations of environmental policies at the Rampal facility. Although there are measures attempted to manage silt collection through settling ponds, these strategies failed during heavy rainfall, allowing untreated water to flow from construction sites directly to the Maidara river. The repercussions of this negligence extend not just to the aquatic environment but also to the health and safety of workers involved, who are subjected to unsanitary living conditions near the plant.
To compound the situation, the power plant's conveyor belt, which transports coal from the jetty to the facility, remains uncovered. This situation permits coal dust to escape, creating air and water pollution. And though waste management protocols exist—like color-coded waste bins—issues arise due to language barriers, complicate waste segregation for workers not fluent in the labeling languages of Bangla or English.
While the facility was deemed “partially compliant” with its Environmental Management Plan, it’s clear to many experts and activists alike, such as Prof. Ainun Nishat and Prof. Abdullah Harun Chowdhury from Khulna University, the dangers posed by untreated waste are not merely administrative oversights. They are directly tied to potential health impacts for those consuming contaminated fish or utilizing polluted water.
Historical records indicate significant opposition to the power plant prior to its establishment. Greenpeace raised concerns through its 2017 study, projecting detrimental effects on air quality and confirming the alarming emission of mercury. The group previously estimated the plant's activity would render fish unsafe for consumption over approximately 70 square kilometers.
Looming questions about regulatory actions remain unanswered. When confronted about the Department of Environment's lack of oversight, Masud Iqbal Shameem, the director for environmental clearance, admitted ignorance about the CEGIS report but promised impending investigations. Meanwhile, plant representatives maintain the plant operates within legal parameters, stressing the installation of effluent treatment processes.
Anwarul Azim, deputy general manager of the Rampal plant, defended its operations by stating the ETP (effluent treatment plant) was fully operational prior to the commissioning of the first unit. He expressed dissatisfaction with the findings outlined by the CEGIS, reflecting the complex interplay of environment-management accountability and industry progress.
The fate of the Sundarbans and the rivers surrounding the Rampal Power Plant hinges on the impending actions taken by regulatory bodies and the government's commitment to enforce environmental laws. The decisions made within the next few months could determine whether Bangladesh successfully navigates the tightrope between economic development and environmental preservation.
Supporters of sustainable practices continue to push for governmental initiatives to reassess the Rampal project's operational legitimacy. Prof. Anu Muhammad calls for intervention, noting the urgency of stopping what he views as irreparable damage to the ecosystem: 'Stopping the plant may pose some challenges, but letting it operate will be much worse.' Amidst the political intricacies and stark disparities, the question remains: will the correct measures materialize swiftly enough to change the fate of Bangladesh's fragile environment, or will its natural treasures continue down this perilous path?
