On June 24, Mon State Chief Minister U Aung Kyaw Thein announced on his social media that the military junta plans to implement a coal-fired power plant project in Chaungzon Township in collaboration with a Chinese company.
In early July, approximately 60 acres of Nipa palm forest were reportedly coerced into being purchased from locals for 5 million kyats per acre, with plans to start the project this dry season. However, according to a resident, no activity related to the project has been observed.
“They haven’t started any work. They claimed to have paid all the money for the land they bought, but now they are just silent, with no activity at all,” a resident stated.
Locals continue to report that payment is still pending for the acquired Nipa palm forest and that they have only received the monetary value set by the military junta.
Also, locals have not been provided any detailed information on which company will be responsible for the coal project or any further specifics about the project itself.
Residents oppose the coal project due to health and environmental concerns, but a local man from Chaungzon says the political situation makes it difficult for them to freely voice their objections.
“At this point, they [the military junta] have all the guns, so who would dare to stand up and lead the resistance? In the past, we had MPs who could advocate against coal issues, but in times like these, how can we resist?” he remarked.
The proposed project site is about a half-hour drive from the village of Mon State Chief Minister U Aung Kyaw Thein, which has led to allegations that the project is being pursued for his personal interests.
There are reports that the location selected for the coal project is only about a 30-minute drive from Kwan Rite Village, the hometown of Mon State Chief Minister U Aung Kyi Thein. Some say that U Aung Kyi Thein is pursuing this project for his own interests.
Environmental researchers warn that if the coal plant project goes ahead in Chaungzon, its negative effects could impact not only Chaungzon but also nearby townships like Mawlamyine and Paung.
In 2015, under President U Thein Sein’s administration, a similar coal-fired power plant project was signed to be built in Ann Din village, Ye Township, but it was halted due to local opposition.
