Protests over South Asia Infrastructure Projects

Protests over South Asia Infrastructure Projects

Infrastructure projects in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are facing protests amid fears of displacement.

Two infrastructure projects—a power plant in Bangladesh and an industrial zone in Sri Lanka—are facing protestors as analysts and activists say the projects displace villagers.

According to a report, hundreds of villagers protected in Bangladesh against the Rampal power plant being built on land at the edge of the World Heritage Sundarbans mangrove forest.

Police in Sri Lanka used teargas and water cannons to disperse protestors who are accusing to government of trying to evict families in order to provide land for Chinese investors.

"Governments face a tough balancing act of luring investors, while at the same time ensuring adequate safeguards for farmers and the environment," said Bhaskar Roy at think-tank South Asia Analysis Group.