SURIN, 1 July 2012 (NNT) – Mr. Vichai Tasanasetra, a resident of Surin province and former governor of Udon Thani, is spearheading a move to oppose the construction of a biomass energy power plant in Muang district of Surin. He held a meeting with leaders of four communities that are being affected by the construction of the power plant by Surin Biopower Limited.

Mr. Vichai made know that he had previously filed complaints with the Surin governor as well as the industrial office in the province and the Office of the Prime Minister. He asked that the permit for the plant construction be revoked, and he received answers in writing from those offices, saying that the construction of the plant was proceeding incorrectly. However, he said, the construction continued to date and was expected to complete in two months’ time.

According to Mr. Vichai, the dust and noise from the construction are having severe impact on the health of many residents living nearby. Furthermore, the area where the power plant is being constructed has been designated by the city planning office as a green zone.

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