Barguna, Sep 13 (V7N) - With the slogan "Stop coal pollution, protect the Payra River," a boat rally and human chain took place in Taltoli, Barguna, advocating for a complete halt to coal use and a transition to 100% renewable energy.
 
On Friday morning, September 13, as part of the global movement for climate justice under the "Asia Day of Action" initiative, a boat rally and human chain were organized near the thermal power plant in Khettar Char area by Waterkeepers Bangladesh, the Earth Protection Group (Dharitri Rokkha), and the Payra River Hilsa Protection Committee. More than 200 participants, including both men and women, took part in the event, holding colorful placards and banners protesting against coal.
 
During the human chain, speakers highlighted that coal waste from the Barishal 307-megawatt thermal power plant is being dumped into the Payra River, leading to a decline in hilsa fish populations. They also warned that the black smoke emitted from the plant is endangering the biodiversity of the Tengragiri Wildlife Sanctuary, while posing significant risks to local agriculture and public health. The speakers called for the immediate cancellation of all coal-based power projects, including this thermal plant, and urged investment in clean, renewable energy alternatives. They stressed that reducing reliance on coal is essential not only for environmental protection but also for public health and the socio-economic stability of the region.
 
Speakers included Jahangir Mia, Coordinator of the Shubho Sandhya Sea Beach Protection Committee; Shahjahan Sheikh, Coordinator of the Tetul Baria River Erosion Protection Committee; Sultana Ahmed, Coordinator of the Payra River Hilsa Protection Committee; Arif Rahman, Upazila Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh (Taltoli-Amtali); and environmental activists Mostafiz and Imran Hossain.

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