Protecting the Sundarbans, Ilish, and Salt from Coal Pollution: A Call for Sustainable Action
The threat posed by coal pollution to the Sundarbans, Ilish (Hilsa fish), and salt production in Bangladesh has become a critical environmental issue that demands immediate attention.
At a recent protest rally in Shyamoli Park, Dhaka, environmentalists and social organizations gathered to raise their voices against the ongoing environmental damage caused by coal-powered energy plants.
The rally was a joint effort organized by Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (Dhara), Bangladesh Krishak Federation, and Riverrain People, among 20 other organizations. The rally aimed to demand action to protect these irreplaceable natural resources and called for the shutdown of coal-based power plants across the country.
At the core of the protest was the urgent need to end the use of coal for electricity generation by 2035 or earlier. Activists, environmentalists, and social leaders pointed out that places like Rampal, Taltali, Kolapara, Maheshkhali, and Banshkhali have seen the establishment of coal-powered plants that threaten the environment and local industries, especially fishing and salt production, both vital to Bangladesh’s economy and food security.
Coal pollution is not just a local issue; it is a global crisis. Over the past few decades, as the world has taken steps to reduce the expansion of coal, it is clear that full liberation from coal’s harmful impacts has not been achieved.
The threat of coal-powered energy plants is still evident, not only in Bangladesh but globally, as many countries still rely on these polluting energy sources. Bangladesh, like many developing nations, faces a dilemma of needing energy for growth while trying to balance environmental sustainability.
The conversation at the protest emphasized the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources. Activists have urged the government to replace the energy produced by coal with renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
The replacement of fossil fuels with clean energy not only benefits the environment but also creates economic opportunities for local communities, including job creation in the renewable energy sector.
The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is home to numerous species and provides vital ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, storm surge protection, and supporting the Ilish fishery—a source of livelihood for millions.
Any damage to this ecosystem affects both the environment and the local economy. The ongoing pollution threatens to disrupt the Ilish breeding grounds, leading to fisheries collapse and impacting the local economy, which heavily depends on fishing and salt production.
Additionally, the environmental degradation caused by coal pollution also leads to increased climate risks for the region.
The Sundarbans plays a crucial role in protecting Bangladesh’s coastal communities from rising sea levels and frequent cyclones. But, with the ongoing pollution and loss of biodiversity, the forest’s ability to act as a natural defense mechanism is compromised.
The movement is not just about raising awareness but also about taking concrete actions. Government accountability is essential in safeguarding natural resources like the Sundarbans and ensuring that future generations inherit a clean and sustainable environment. The protest also underscored the need for climate financing to aid in the transition to renewable energy in Bangladesh. The Green Climate Fund, set up by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), could play a crucial role in supporting Bangladesh’s shift away from coal and towards green technologies.
As the United Nations General Assembly meeting approaches, world leaders are being urged to make responsible decisions about the future of energy production and its impact on global climate change.
In line with this, protests like the one in Dhaka are occurring in 70 provinces and cities across 9 Asian countries, all demanding a halt to coal pollution. Bangladesh’s Shyamoli Park rally stands as a symbol of collective action that can help reshape the future of energy and ensure environmental justice.
This movement is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 14 (Life Below Water), emphasizing the need for a transition to clean energy that respects both the environment and the local communities that depend on it.
The global call to action urges policymakers to accelerate the shift from coal to renewable sources of energy, reduce the risks of climate-related disasters, and protect vulnerable ecosystems like the Sundarbans.
The demand for coal-free power plants and the protection of the Ilish fishery and salt production is not just an environmental issue—it is a matter of public health, economic stability, and social equity. By transitioning to sustainable practices and ensuring that local communities are part of the conversation, Bangladesh can serve as an example for other nations facing similar challenges.
The fight for environmental protection is a fight for humanity’s future, and it requires global collaboration to build a greener, more sustainable world.
A Call for Collective Action
It is imperative that the government, businesses, and citizens work together to protect vital ecosystems like the Sundarbans, safeguard Ilish populations, and ensure that future generations have access to clean water, air, and a sustainable food supply.
Support for renewable energy and environmental protection should become the priority for national policies, as the world faces climate change and rising environmental risks.
Through collective action, Bangladesh can set an example of how to embrace sustainable development and combat environmental degradation.
