Land subsidence worries villagers

Several hundred villagers near Barapukuria coal-fired power plant in Parbatipur upazila at a human chain yesterday protested fresh land subsidence due to coal extraction and acute water crisis.

Following a rally at Barapukuria Bazar near the power plant, the affected villagers submitted a memorandum (MoU) to Engineer SMN Aurangajeb, managing director (MD) of Barapukuria Coal Mine Company Ltd (BCMCL).

All business establishments at Barapukuria Bazar remained closed during the hour-long program.

The inhabitants of adjacent nine villages also urged the government to meet their eight -point demand.

Their demand includes stopping vibrations due to dynamite explosion, ensuring water supply free of cost for the villagers, repairing roads for smooth communication and electricity connection to the villages.

Moshiur Rahman Bulbul, convener of 'Jiban, Paribesh O Sampad Rakhkha Committee' alleged that fresh land at nine villages subsided recently and are badly affected by the power plant.