By Ifham Nizam

Environmental scientists and social activists are expressing concern about the engagement of Adani Green Energy in developing wind power in Sri Lanka.

In answer to a question raised by The Island at a recent symposium, ‘Discussion on Setting the Policy Direction for South Asia in Energy Sustainability’ Environmental Scientist Hemantha Withanage said that the Mannar wind power project also known as Thambapawani wind project was the most-cost effective energy power plant in Sri Lanka though it adhered to the most stringent safeguards stipulated by the Asian Development Bank.

It was funded by the ADB, and it installed an emergency radar shutdown system.

“Now, we see that Indian Adani Green Energy Ltd., has been given the provisional approval for developing two wind projects of 286 MW in Mannar and 234 MW in Pooneryn both of whose profit goes to India from these most promising projects

“There are multilateral donors for developing wind and solar energy instead giving them to private developers. It is doubtful whether such private developers will adhere to the safeguards similar to the ADB. They include impact on the migratory birds, coastal tree cover, land acquisition and impacts on the traditional fishing grounds. People of Mannar complain that their fish catch has reduced due to the shade effect of the Thambapawani wind project and the flooding.”

Vidya Dinker of Growth Watch India has asked the Sri Lankan government to be cautious about the decision of letting in the Adani Group.