Climate
Countries in South Asia are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Here are some helpful links:
Energy
Several power plants proposed in India and Bangladesh underline the energy dilemmas facing countries of South Asia. Although large scale solar plants have been operational in India in recent years and there is potential for the same in Bangladesh, the initiative by the respective governments have been for nuclear or coal-based plants. Such initiatives are being fought against by citizens and various organizations.
Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh – 2016
This is a 2.4 GW ( two 1200 MW) nuclear power plant to be built with Russian assistance at an estimated cost of USD12.65 billion. The general contract was signed in December 2015, and although the government of Bangladesh claims it will be operational by 2022, it is likely to take twice as much time before it is operational.
Solar Energy may be a better alternative that is not being pursued. Potential solar energy in Bangladesh has been estimated at 50, 174 MW. Solar energy projects may be operational much earlier than a nuclear plant and be far less risky. Solar energy would cost an estimated 4.54 taka/kWh, while nuclear energy is 32 taka/kWh (1USD is about 80 taka).
Unsafe at Any Time Fragments Magazine Interview, 2016 October
False Nuclear Hope – HIMAL Article, 2016 August
Rampal Coal Based Power Plant ( 2016 )
Two coal-fired power plants have been proposed. Total capacity 1320 MW, situated within a few miles of the world’s largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans The power plants’ presence could alter the critical water balance in the region and seriously damage the mangrove forest and threaten the well-being 2.5 million people and the animals who call it home. In addition, Rampal power station will produce electricity that will cost 32% more than the average electricity costs in Bangladesh, It is widely seen as a project of India with only 15% Bangladesh finance.
There has been significant opposition to this project from people of all walks of life, some of whom have received death threats for their opposition to the proposed plant.
References:
Risky and Over-Subsidised – Report by Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis
Booklet by National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas and Mineral Resources of Bangladesh (ncbd.org, Bangla/English)
Water Issues
India’s Newly Revived River Linking Project 2012
Land Grab and Coal Mining – Phulbari, Bangladesh
Alliance for a Secular and Democratic South Asia 