Mohammadi News Agency News – Features – Photo
MNA Editorial Desk: UNESCO has reiterated concern about the environmental impact of the Rampal coal-fired power plant near the Sundarbans, in a new report contrary to the government’s claim that the UN agency has withdrawn its objection.
The final report on the decisions adopted during the 41st session of the World Heritage Committee held in Poland was published on Sunday.
It stated that the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has requested that a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) be carried out regarding the impact of the Rampal power project on the Sundarbans and the southwest region of the country.
The organisation has requested that no large industrial infrastructure be constructed in this region until this assessment is completed. So almost all the conditions laid down by the organisation regarding work on the Rampal power plant, remain intact.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee in a Jul 30 report insisted that no development should be allowed to proceed without a thorough assessment of the environmental impact.
The report also voiced concerns about the effects of air and water pollution, the removal of freshwater and the increase in shipping in the area due to the operations of the power plant.
