In developing country thermal powerplant is one of the major sources to produced electricity. It is capable to provide around 60% of electricity in our country. There are several reasons for high demand of thermal powerplant. It requires low cost of energy production comparatively to other methods. However, thermal powerplants have negative environmental impact. It emits greenhouse gas that is the main cause of climate change. In addition, it can be reduced biodiversity of Sundarbans. On the other hand, it can be polluted the water and soil correspondingly. The research objective is to find out environmental impact of Rampal Powerplants as well as people understanding regarding those factors.

1. Environmental Impact on
Rampal Powerplant Project
Course Name : Introduction to Sociology
Course Code : GED208
Prepared by:
Name : Jahid Khan Rahat
ID : 171011211
Section : 01
Submitted to:
Mr. Rigan Chakma
Department of General Education Program (GED)
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
Submission Date: 06th
September, 2020

2. Abstract
In developing country thermal powerplant is one of the major sources to produced electricity.
It is capable to provide around 60% of electricity in our country. There are several reasons for
high demand of thermal powerplant. It requires low cost of energy production comparatively
to other methods. However, thermal powerplants have negative environmental impact. It
emits greenhouse gas that is the main cause of climate change. In addition, it can be reduced
biodiversity of Sundarbans. On the other hand, it can be polluted the water and soil
correspondingly. The research objective is to find out environmental impact of Rampal
Powerplants as well as people understanding regarding those factors.
Keyword: Thermal Powerplant, Rampal Powerplant, Environmental Impact.

3. Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 Research Objective .................................................................................................................... 1
3.0 Research Questions.................................................................................................................... 1
4.0 Literature Review...................................................................................................................... 1
4.1 Thermal Power Plant................................................................................................................ 1
4.2 Rampal Powerplant.................................................................................................................. 1
4.3 Environmental Impact.............................................................................................................. 2
5.0 Methodology .............................................................................................................................. 2
5.1 Data Collection........................................................................................................................ 2
5.2 Data Type................................................................................................................................ 2
5.3 Target Source........................................................................................................................... 2
5.4 Time frame .............................................................................................................................. 2
5.5 Reliability and validity............................................................................................................. 3
5.6 Ethics and principles................................................................................................................ 3
6.0 Environmental Impact of Rampal Project................................................................................ 3
6.1 Positive Impact of Thermal Powerplant.................................................................................... 4
6.2 Negative Impact of Thermal Powerplant .................................................................................. 4
6.2.1 Greenhouse gas emissions............................................................................................ 4
6.2.2 Produce Waste ............................................................................................................. 4
6.2.3 Mining destruction ....................................................................................................... 4
6.2.4 Emission harmful material............................................................................................ 4
6.2.5 Reduction of Biodiversity of Sundarbans...................................................................... 5
6.2.6 Pollution of water......................................................................................................... 5
6.2.7 Air Pollution ................................................................................................................ 5
6.2.8 Soil Pollution ............................................................................................................... 5
7.0 Findings...................................................................................................................................... 5
8.0 Recommendation ....................................................................................................................... 5
9.0 Conclusion.................................................................................................................................. 6
10.0 References ................................................................................................................................ 7

4. Page 1
1.0 Introduction
The Rampal power plant is a project that producing 1320-megawatt electronic power using
the coal. (The Daily Star, 2016). It is situated at Rampal Upazila in Bagerhat District. It
covers an area of 1834 acres in the vicinity of the Sundarbans mangrove forest location. The
project is operated by Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company (BIFPC). This project
has a negative environmental impact because it is a coal based thermal power plants.
However, it violates the ecosystem of Sundarbans which is popularly UNESCO world
heritages site. The Department of Bangladesh Energy approved the project on 1st
August,
2013. (The Daily Star, 2016).
The research is very significant because the project would harm the climate of Bangladesh. It
is destroying one of the natural wonders of the world to produce electronic power. However,
coal power plant is a backdated system to produce power. In addition, Bangladesh has
supplementary options to produce the essential electronic power. Moreover, people of
Bangladesh did not take any action against the thermal power plant system. So, this research
will be identifying destructiveness of the Rampal power plants and make people aware about
negative impact of establishing power plant.
2.0 Research Objective
To create environmental awareness as well as to investigate the environmental impact of
thermal power plants and the impact of biodiversity in the Sundarbans.
3.0 Research Questions
a) How much is the thermal power plant affecting the environment?
b) How Rampal Power Plant affecting the biodiversity of Sundarbans?
c) How can we prevent the environmental impact of the power plant?
d) Why government approved the power plants although it is harmful to the society?
4.0 Literature Review
This literature review purpose is verifying the research that is available in similar field. Since
our country has sufficient research on this relevant topic, the review is being conducted based
on our country and other countries research. In addition, the literature review section of
research can describe importance of conducting this research.
4.1 Thermal Power Plant
Thermal Power Plant is the process that can be convert fossil fuel energy to electronic energy.
(Bavane & Rindhe, 2017). In 1878 the first thermal power plant is discovered by Sigmund
Schuckert in German at Ettal. Basically, coal is used to produce heat and the heat can move
the turbine. As steam pass out across the turbine, it produces electricity and waste material.
(Bavane & Rindhe, 2017).
4.2 Rampal Powerplant
Rampal Powerplant is capable to produce 1320 Megawatts of electricity. (Islam, 2018). It
started the production since 2019. The initial budget of establishment of Rampal Power Plant
was around 145.1 Billion Taka. Around 30% budget was financed by India and Bangladesh
government. The rest of the amount was borrowed from Bank. However, the powerplant has

5. Page 2
negative environmental impact. As a result, Bangladesh government got compensation
around 645 Million Taka. In fact, Rampal Powerplant control by Environmental and
Geographical Information Service Unit for minimizing harmful impact of environment.
(Islam, 2018).
4.3 Environmental Impact
The environment is severely affected during the conversion period of coal into heat energy.
(Avirneni & Bandlamudi, 2013). The thermal powerplant emits carbon dioxide (𝐶𝑂2),
nitrogen oxide (𝑁𝑂 𝑋), sulphur oxide (𝑆𝑂𝑥), greenhouse gases (GHGs), chlorofluorocarbon
(CFCs) and toxic materials such as fly ash. Those elements trigger dangerous air borne
diseases. Moreover, thermal powerplant released mercury and the mercury polluted water,
soil as well as air. So, it is clearly identifying that thermal powerplant has serious
environmental impact. (Avirneni & Bandlamudi, 2013).
5.0 Methodology
This section has described the basic research plan of the study. It has specified the details of
the procedures that is necessary to solve the research questions. The section also justified
method that is taken for conducting the research.
5.1 Data Collection
Due to COVID-19 pandemic situation the research mainly focuses on secondary data sources.
On the other hand, the research obligation is realizing the awareness of people about Rampal
Powerplant environmental impact. So, a questionnaire was prepared collecting information
from general people. As a result, this research also collects information from primary sources.
The research also includes expert opinion that is collecting by way of interview sessions.
5.2 Data Type
The research has based on both qualitative data and quantitative data.
5.3 Target Source
Interviews was taken by applying phone call. Around 10 to 15 people were interviewed,
including university friends, family members and people around my house. Survey
information was collected by using Facebook Messenger.
5.4 Time frame
It requires around 15 days for conducting the research.
Primary Data
Secondary Data
• Interview
• Questionnaire
• Newspaper
• Journals Article
• Research Paper

6. Page 3
5.5 Reliability and validity
The data collection procedure is completely biased less. Due to COVID-19 situation the
research question was asked only selective person. It is a big limitation of the research.
5.6 Ethics and principles
The identities of interviewees are not disclosed in this research papers. The data is only used
for academic purpose.
6.0 Environmental Impact of Rampal Project
Rampal Powerplant has both positive and negative impact on our environment and economy.
In this section of research both positive and negative impacts are described briefly.
6.1 Positive Impact of Thermal Powerplant
Although thermal powerplant has dangerous environmental impact, sometimes it provides
huge benefit to our economy. Bangladesh is facing energy problem since independent. The
thermal powerplant can provide reliable, affordable, and safer energy sources of our
environment.
• The main advantages of thermal powerplants is reliability. As
coal is sufficient in Bangladesh, it can easily meet the high
demand of electronic power. However, Bangladesh power grid
system has crisis of electricity. Thermal powerplant is a reliable
solution of electronic supply.
Reliability
• Energy produced from coal is cheaper and more affordable than
other energy sources. In addition, Bangladesh has sufficient coal
resources, so the price is reasonable. Moreover, extraction and
mining cost of coal is very low.Affordability
• Thermal Powerplant is considered safer than nuclear power
plants. A nuclear powerplant failure may cause dangerous
catastrophic event. On the other hand, thermal powerplant has
no such type of catastrophic incident. In additional, employee
health is more secure at thermal powerplant.
Safety

7. Page 4
6.2 Negative Impact of Thermal Powerplant
6.2.1 Greenhouse gas emissions
At the time of electronic production there is also produce byproducts of gases. It causes a lot
of pollution and contribute to global warming. The increased carbon emissions make
warming which results in climate changes. Rampal powerplant has released huge amount of
toxic gases that result in climate change.
6.2.2 Produce Waste
Millions of tons of waste are produced as a byproduct while producing electricity. The waste
cannot reuse for generating energy. In addition, these byproducts cause to waste disposal
problems as well as contain harmful substances.
6.2.3 Mining destruction
Mining of coal results in the destruction of habitat and displaces of human’s life. In many
countries where coal is actively mined, a large number of people are displaced their living
place. It is a negative impact of underground mining. Places near coal mines are unsafe for
human habitation as the land could cave in at any time.
6.2.4 Emission harmful material
Thermal powerplant emit harmful substances to the environment. These include mercury,
sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, mercury, selenium, and arsenic. These harmful substances
not only cause acid rain but also are very harmful to humans as well.
6.2.5 Reduction of Biodiversity of Sundarbans
The Sundarbans is largest mangrove forest in the world. It 40 types of mammal’s species,
around 260 bird’s species live in Sundarbans. The imbalance of ecosystem and lack of
Greenhouse gas emissions
Produce Waste
Mining destruction
Emission harmful material
Reduction of Biodiversity of Sundarbans
Pollution of water
Air Pollution

8. Page 5
habitats make danger of wildlife. Thermal powerplant emit mercury and the mercury result
reduction of biodiversity.
6.2.6 Pollution of water
Sundarbans is largely depending on water. It is alive because of its water bodies such as
rivers, canals, and tributaries. If water is contaminated at one point, the entire forest would
suffer. However, Sundarbans has 350 types of fish species that is faced endanger due to
thermal powerplant. The mercury mixed into the water as a result species of Sundarbans
would face dangerous problem. It can be badly polluted the water.
6.2.7 Air Pollution
Air pollution happened because of mixed up the toxic gases in the air. In the time of
electronic energy production, huge amount of flying ash released. It can be creating airborne
diseases that is a chronic disease. Moreover, ozone layer is badly harmed due to emission of
toxic gases.
6.2.8 Soil Pollution
The thermal powerplant released mercury that may be mixed on the agriculture land. As a
result, fertility of the land may be decreased sharply. Moreover, consumption of those
agriculture may cause cancer. It is very dangerous for our health.
7.0 Findings
The research finding is expecting that general people around us were aware of the project.
They are aware about loses and gains from this project. As the research finds that we need
energy power and the Rampal Powerplant has very significant for this. In fact, it gives us
financial and economic benefit. Besides that, it can be reduced the biodiversity of
Sundarbans. However, government has not any better options rather than Rampal powerplant.
8.0 Recommendation
• It is highly recommended that proper disposal of waste material is
required for minimizing environmental adverse impact. Gases,
mercury, and coal must dispose properly.
Waste
Management
• Find out renewable energy such as sunlight, wind power and wave
power generator for producing electricity. It can be reducd
pressure of producing thermal powerplant production. .
Renewable
Energy
• Government must maintain strict policy for reducing and disposing
waste material. However, Bangladesh government have to develop
a law for protecting environment.
Policy
Implementation

9. Page 6
9.0 Conclusion
Thermal Powerplant is a popular energy source. However, huge amount of electronic power
production has an adverse impact on the environment. The coal releases several types of
gases and material that causes of airborne diseases. Climate change is one of the biggest
impacts of thermal powerplant. In addition, Rampal Powerplant is located at near world
heritages site Sundarbans. As a result, it can badly reduce biodiversity of Sundarbans
mangrove forest as well as the rivers surrounding by Sundarbans. Moreover, ecosystem is
badly harmed by the Rampal Powerplant. During the production of electronic power, it
releases mercury that makes health hazard. Air, soil and water is also polluted by flying ash
release from powerplant. However, proper disposal of those gases and toxic materials can
reduce negative impact on the environment. Governmental and nongovernmental
organization must be taking action to control the situation. Proper waste management and
disposal system can create sustainable power production. The sustainable power production
can make a strong economy as well as healthy environment for living.

10. Page 7
10.0 References
Avirneni, S., & Bandlamudi, D. (2013, March-April). Environmental Impact of Thermal Power Plant in
India and Its Mitigation Measure. International Journal of Modern Engineering Research
(IJMER), 3(2), 1026-1031. doi:10.1.1.445.2753
Bavane, V., & Rindhe, P. (2017, April 9). Energy Analysis of Thermal Power Plant. International
Journal of Research in Advent Technology (IJRAT), 212 -216. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322568980_Energy_Analysis_of_Thermal_Power
_Plant
Islam, K. F. (2018, January 5). Impact of Coal based Power Plant of Rampal on the Sundarbans and
Surrounding Areas. Environmantal Policy and Development. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333972376_Impact_of_Coal_based_Power_Plan
t_of_Rampal_on_the_Sundarbans_and_Surrounding_Areas
The Daily Star. (2016, June 10). Rampal power plant. Retrieved from
https://www.thedailystar.net/rampal-power-plant-bangladesh