Locals demand halt to proposed Fulbari coal mining

DINAJPUR & FULBARI, Nov 09: Residents and leaders of various local organisations in Fulbari upazila of Dinajpur have strongly opposed the proposed open-pit coal mining project, saying the protection of agricultural land, the environment, biodiversity and people's livelihoods must take precedence over short-term economic gains.

They claim that most local residents do not support the project and want to preserve the area's three-crop agricultural land, homesteads, traditional livelihoods and long-established social structure.

The opposition has gained renewed momentum following reports of rallies and other programmes organised in support of the coal mine. Local leaders have questioned whether the views and consent of the people who would be directly affected are being adequately considered.

Residents fear that implementing the project would lead to the displacement of communities, the loss of agricultural land and livelihoods, changes in groundwater levels and long-term environmental damage.

They argue that even if the project generates some economic benefits in the short term, its potential consequences for agriculture, ecology and local communities could prove far more costly in the long run. 

They also question whether the anticipated benefits over 20 to 30 years would justify putting an established and densely populated area at risk.

Mohammad Hamidul Islam, convener of the Fulbari Combined Citizens' Forum, said the government could continue earning revenue from agriculture and other economic activities on the land's surface for hundreds of years.

He questioned whether coal extraction by a foreign company would generate greater benefits for the country than the revenue already earned from agriculture and local economic activities. Instead, he warned, the project could seriously damage local biodiversity, the environment and the existing social ecosystem.

MA Kaiyum, convener of the Fulbari Business Association, said people's interests must remain at the centre of any development decision.

"The government certainly would not want to pursue a project that causes suffering to the people," he said.

He alleged that certain local interest groups were trying to promote the coal mine. He also claimed that some people from Parbatipur had allegedly been encouraged, in exchange for money, to participate in a human chain in support of the proposed project.

Syed Saiful Islam Jewel, convener of the Fulbari unit of the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports, expressed hope that the Prime Minister would reconsider the proposal, taking into account public concerns, environmental protection, agricultural land and the sentiments of local residents.

Manik Sarkar, former mayor of Fulbari municipality, said residents wanted to continue living as they had been, without losing their homes, land and livelihoods to mining.

Describing Fulbari as an important agricultural area that contributes to the country's food supply, he said the upazila had extensive three-crop farmland and that agriculture and business activities were already generating regular revenue for the government.

He argued that establishing the coal mine would not necessarily bring greater economic benefits than maintaining the existing agricultural and commercial activities.

Sarkar also alleged that Asia Energy was making efforts to secure public support for the project. However, he said local residents would continue to oppose the mine to protect their lives, livelihoods and future generations.

Locals say the experience remains a reminder that the consent of affected communities cannot be overlooked in decisions involving their homes, livelihoods and future.

They have called on the government to give priority to public opinion, environmental sustainability, agricultural production and the protection of settlements before making any decision on the proposed project.

Their position, they say, is clear: no coal mine should be established in Fulbari without the consent of local residents, and no development initiative should come at the expense of the area's agricultural land, environment and people's future.