The main problem for coal extraction is the indecision of the govt. The speakers took part in the debate over coal extraction and said there is no alternative of coal extraction and the govt. need to take decision immediately in this regard. But, few of them opined to approve the coal policy first. Dr. Badrul Imam, Prof of Geology at Dhaka University said all the issues like investment proposal, royalty, private-public partnership etc are incorporated in the coal policy, so the coal policy should be finalized first. The other issues, not included in the policy can be resolved through discussion. Mr. Kamrul Islam Siddique, former Chairman of PDB said there are three investment proposals for coal mine development have been awaited for govt.’s approval. These proposals should be approved reviewing the existing Environment Act and Minerals Rules without any delay. Dr. Izaz Hossain, Professor of Chemical Engineering at BUET said a small but economically viable pilot project which is acceptable to all can be started after govt.’s approval; and large scale mining will be commenced minimizing the difficulties arises in the pilot project. The country’s coal reserve can be used to generate electricity of 20,000-MW over a period of next 20 to 30 years. Therefore, coal needs to be extracted depending not on gas only. SM Mahfuzur Rahman, Prof. of Economics at Dhaka University said the crisis for gas is alarmingly increasing day by day, and it may happen that coal will to be extracted using candle light. Renewable energy is not sufficient to meet the energy crisis. Dr. M Tamim, Special Assistant to CA for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources said the coal policy has been sent to the Advisory Council, and the present investment proposals will be approved by open tendering process following approval of the Advisory Council.
Edited by: M A Hossain
Source: Amader Shomoy
Date: 27/07/08
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