The construction work of Rampal power plant will not be suspended despite Unesco's advice, said State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid today.

"Construction work of Rampal power plant will continue, as no decision has been taken yet by the government to stop it," he told reporters after a workshop on environmental impact of Siddhirganj power plant.

Power Cell organised the workshop, titled 'Cumulative Impact Assessment of Siddhirganj Power Hub,' at Biduyt Bhaban in Dhaka.

The remarks of the junior minister came against the backdrop of a report prepared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) that suggested the government to cancel the project that was undertaken to build a 1320 MW coal-fired power plant in a location near the Sundarbans, a Unesco heritage site.

Bangladesh and India are jointly implementing the project despite strong opposition from local environmental groups. Indian power company BHEL has been awarded a contract to build the plant.

The state minister said the government will come up with its response to the observations and queries of Unesco, and then it will take its decision considering the future situation.

Nasrul Hamid said the government will conduct an environmental impact assessment study for each of the power hub to find the right solution to mitigate the impact of power plants on the environment.

He said the government has planned to boost power generation to 40,000 MW by 2030 from the existing 10,000 MW.

"We'll have to conduct a study to determine the impact on the environment before taking any project," he told the workshop.

The workshop was also addressed by chairman of Energy Research Council Dr Ahmed Kaikwas and Power Cell Director General Mohammad Hossain.