Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of Surrounding Area of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project: A Case Study of Ishwardi Upazila in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh started its nuclear journey on 02 October 2013 with the inauguration of the first phase of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant construction. The main purpose of the study is to find out the impacts of Rooppur Nuclear Power plant on the environment, social economy and socio-cultural elements at surrounding areas of the proposed site. Field observations, household surveys, FGD, key informant interviews, daily newspapers, google engine, journal articles, reports, and other relevant sources were used to collect the data. To fulfill the objective of the study, environmental impact value (EIV) tool was applied. After observing and calculating all the components, authors were found positive impact on socio-economic impact (+198) and negative impacts on environmental parameters (-65) and socio-cultural parameters (-130). Finally, the project's total score (+3) indicates the project has a moderately positive impact on the social economy and environment and suggests that the project is acceptable. The significant positive impacts of the Rooppur nuclear power plant will be industrial and infrastructural development, economic growth, employment creation, knowledge transfer, river excavation, tree plantation, no greenhouse gas emission if the project follows national and international laws and legislation, a proper environmental management plan, strong cyber security, and free from any corruption or illegal activities.