Rooppur is now Rushpur with touch of modern city

Ishwardi (Pabna) Correspondent :

The remote village of Ruppur in Ishwardi Upazila of Pabna has been changed under the influence of Nuclear Power Project. Seven years ago the late night silence descended only at dusk, the area is now buzzing with activity of day and night. The movement of about five thousand Russian-Belarusian citizens has changed the economic picture of the region. Beautiful residential buildings, sparkling shopping malls, restaurants, resorts and numerous shops have been built in the desolate land of Char.
The people of Rooppur never thought that they should learn the language and make friends with foreigners. Rooppur nuclear power project has brought development in the fortunes of the people of this region. They have adopted Russian language to communicate, travel, trade or maintain good relations. The whole area emerged as a new sphere of Russian culture. From shop signboards to price lists, Russian has replaced Bengali alongside English.
In 2015, there was only a barbed wire fence in the new market area of Rooppur. Dusty empty fields and two-one temporary structures all around. Pakistani-era buildings were sanctuaries for venomous snakes. The one-storied houses covered with bushes and forests were mesmerizing. Everyone was afraid to enter there even during the day. That place has now completely changed. Not only Rooppur, but the neighboring Pakshi, Sahapur and Ishwardi also got the touch of change. Life has changed. Foreign culture is also touched in life. From the fruit and vegetable seller to all businessmen and employees have learned the Russian language.
On the surface, it can be seen that there are no dusty sands, dilapidated houses and small shops in the area. Commercial, schools, high-rise buildings, international quality hotels-restaurants, resorts are full of activity. Along with Bengalis, this region has become full of people speaking different languages including Russians. The raw markets here have also been touched by the Russians. Market shop signboards are written in English as well as Russian to attract Russians. Local rickshaw drivers have also learned Russian.
The work of Tk 1 lakh 12 thousand crore Rooppur nuclear power project is going on on the bank of the river next to Hardinge Bridge and Lalon Shah Bridge of Padma River. Thousands of unemployed youths have got job opportunities in this project. In addition to changing their fortunes, the social picture has also changed. Apart from this, thousands of people have been employed in various establishments including hotels, resorts, and commercial establishments. Pakshi, Sahapur, Rooppur and Ishwardi cities have developed many commercial centers, modern shopping malls, supershops, resorts and star hotels to meet the daily needs of foreign citizens including shopping. High quality hospitals have also been constructed.
Project director Dr. Shaukat Akbar told The New Nation that 24,000 domestic and foreign engineers and workers are working on this project. Among them there are about 5000 officials and workers from different countries including Russia, Belarus, India, others from the country.
Incidentally, in 1961, an initiative was taken to set up this nuclear power plant in Rooppur. After a long time, it was not possible to implement it. After the Awami League government came to power in 2009, an agreement was made with Russia. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone of Rooppur Nuclear Power Station in October 2013. Work started in full swing on November 30, 2017. There are two units in the 2,400 megawatt capacity power plant set up on 1,62 acres of land. The first units will go into production in 2023. A second unit of equal capacity is scheduled to be commissioned next year. Russia is providing financial and technical support to the project. The government has developed a green city near the project area. Project officials and workers are living in 20 buildings with 20 floors.
The location of the city is 10 minutes away from the nuclear power station.