| |
Govt bows to pressure
from protesters
The Nation, Aug 9, 2000
THE Cabinet yesterday agreed to most of the eight long-term measures
recommended by the independent committee established to find solutions to
the forestry and dam-related problems facing Assembly of the Poor
villagers,
government spokesman Akapol Sorasuchart said after yesterday's weekly
Cabinet meeting.
The Cabinet agreed to the committee's proposal that impact studies on dam
projects should put more emphasis on the social aspects of the dam's
construction, while still giving serious consideration to environmental
impacts.
It also agreed to the recommendation that a central agency be created to
supervise the hiring of project researchers, and that members of the
public
hold seats on the committee supervising the project.
Turning to forestry issues, the Cabinet agreed to the recommendation that
the government amend forestry laws to reflect clauses in the constitution
that guarantee communities the right to preserve and make use of community
forests.
However, it rejected the proposal that called for it to review its June
1998
resolution that requires aerial photos to be used in settling any dispute
about forest reserve boundaries, Akapol said.
The Cabinet also agreed to the recommendation that compensation for
expropriated land should reflect the actual cost of the land.
But it disagreed to the suggestion that in paying compensation to owners
of
land expropriated for dam construction, their loss of income and other
economic benefits from the land should be taken into consideration.
The Cabinet noted that payment of the compensation should be in line with
the Land Expropriation Act of 1987 and that owners of the expropriated
land
unhappy with the compensation can petition with the Administrative Court.
The Cabinet agreed to the suggestion that representatives of the public
should be among the National Environmental Committee members. It noted
that
currently there are four representatives of the private sector in the
committee and that the number can be increased.
However, the Cabinet disagreed to the suggestion that the National
Environmental Committee should be empowered to oversee payment of the
compensation as another agency is already responsible for the duty.
The Cabinet agreed to the suggestion that the Environment Quality
Promotion
and Preservation Act of 1992 and other related laws should be amended to
reflect the present environmental problems. It noted that the science
ministry has invited experts to propose how the 1992 law should be
amended.
The Cabinet also agreed to the suggestion that a national river management
committee be set up that consist of representatives from the government,
local residents, non-government development agencies and experts.
The suggestion that river-management plans should be drawn, with
involvement
of non-government sectors of society, also was agreed by the Cabinet,
which
noted that a master plan on the matter is being drawn.
Meanwhile, dam protesters gathering outside Government House yesterday
ended
their hunger strike. Pakdi Chanthajiad, a protest leader, said the poor
villagers had succeeded in attracting public attention to their plight. |
|
