Jamshoro coal power plant: Civil society activists demand early retirement
KARACHI: Civil society activists have called for the early retirement of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Jamshoro Coal Power Plant, citing what they described as social, environmental and financial impacts on surrounding communities and urging the ADB and the Government of Pakistan to redirect financing towards renewable energy. According to a press release issued by the Indus Climate…
KARACHI: Activists are urging the early shutdown of the Jamshoro Coal Power Plant, financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), citing social, environmental and financial repercussions on nearby communities. The Indus Climate Forum organized a protest on Friday, highlighting the plant's detrimental effects on air quality, land and water resources. These impacts, activists claim, have adversely affected farming, livestock grazing and fishing communities that heavily rely on the region's resources.
The protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the ADB's handling of social and environmental safeguards, arguing that the bank failed to comprehensively evaluate the cumulative impacts of the project. Although some risks were identified in the ADB's documentation, activists argue that the bank should have thoroughly assessed the overall risks before proceeding with the development.
One of the main concerns raised during the protest was the plant's disposal of fly ash, which activists claim is carried out via water-based slurry and stored in an ash pond, posing potential safety risks. They also criticized the plant's utilization of 80% imported sub-bituminous coal and 20% Thar lignite, suggesting that the government's planned Thar coal railway might exacerbate social and environmental issues related to the transportation of lignite to the plant.
Moreover, activists argue that the transition towards renewable energy, specifically solar power, was not given sufficient consideration in the planning process. They further raised concerns over the community displacement that could result from the planned Thar coal railway project, as well as its potential effects on local livelihoods and cultural traditions.
The protesters are demanding an early and just retirement of the Jamshoro coal plant and the redirection of financial resources towards renewable energy sources. They also urge for the protection of affected communities and their livelihoods during any transition away from coal dependency.
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