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Govt pressured to scrap dam projects
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
Bangkok Post. 16 March 2008.
UBON RATCHATHANI : Networks of people affected by dams petitioned the
government to scrap all dam projects as well as the proposed Mekong
diversion scheme on the International Day of Action Against Dams
yesterday.
The Samak Sundaravej government should look into the sufferings and
ecological damage caused by existing dams and come up with alternative
and more sustainable ways of water management instead, they said.
More than 500 dam-affected villagers and local and foreign
conservationists marched for 11 hours along the banks of the Moon
river in this northeastern province to protest against past and future
dam projects.
The 15-kilometre march ended near the controversial Pak Moon dam site
in Khong Chiam district where the group read out their statement and
held a commemoration service to mark the 100th day since the death of
leading social activist Wanida Tantiwitthayapitak, who led the decade-
long protests against the Pak Moon dam. Wanida died last year after a
long battle with breast cancer. This year's no-dam activity was the
first that was held without Wanida.
''She joined our activity every year. She taught us to fight for our
own rights. Despite her passing away, we will continue to seek
justice,'' said Pa Kongtham, chairwoman of the Patam, Moon and Rasi
Salai preservation commission.
The Pak Moon villagers' struggle was a significant step in educating
the public about the negative impacts of the dam, she said. In their
statement, the villagers urged the government to scrap the proposed
water grid and Mekong river diversion schemes, which include a number
of dam construction projects.
''The government should learn from the negative impacts caused by
existing dams and avoid repeating the same mistakes,'' said the
statement.
Regarding the planned megaproject to divert water from the Mekong
river, Ms Pa said the project would benefit some people but the
government must not ignore those who would be adversely affected.
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