The New Nation - Internet Edition

EXPLORATION, extraction and use of natural bounties are continuosly updated in the developed countries. The entire operations have since been developed with the use of modern technology and skilled manpower. Those engaged in drilling the land and collecting the recoverable natural resources work on a specific schedule and leave the sites after such recovery. The companies and official agencies engaged in the process of exploration and use of coal and other natural bounties look forward to earning good dividends from their investments. They try to optimise the exploitation of such natural resources. The exploitation of natural bounties is important for developing the economy of the country. Coal mining in Bangladesh is faced with inadequacy of expertise and technology.

The work on the coal mine project in Phulbari remains uncertain. Those put to work at the mining zone have yet to recover coal from the mine. The extraction of coal from under crop fields may create problems for the people around the zone. The inevitable pollution of the environment round-the-clock is a cause of concern. Even the farmlands, water in river and underground aquifers may turn polluted by disposal of wastes of coal. The proposed coal policy of the government and the realities in the Phulbari coal mine have been reviewed by the National Review Committee. Some experts in the field have given their views on the subject. They suggested the setting up of a site office of the Department of Environment to monitor the day-to-day effects of mining on the environment in general and the farm sector in particular.

The coal mining in the Phulbari site has turned uncertain due to indecision in respect of the payment of compensation to the owners of the land in the mine areas to be displaced and the issue of rehabilitation and resettlement of others who would also be affected. The current practice of placing mining work under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner and the Thana Nirbahi Officer sounds inadequate. A high-powered multi-disciplinary expert committee should be appointed for overall supervision of coal mining to take care of rehabilitation of people be displaced or otherwise affected and restore the degraded lands after the coal extraction work is over and transfer those to their owners.