DPNS calls on China to reconsider dam project on Nujin

Sein Win/Mizzima

February 4, 2004

A Burmese opposition party called on the Chinese government to suspend its plans to construct thirteen large hydropower projects on the Nujing River.

"The Nujing-Salween river is a free-flowing international river. The Burmese people also belong to the Salween. The construction of thirteen dams on Nujing-Salween river are certain to have a negative effect on the livelihoods of millions of Burmese people, including the ethnic nationalities of Burma, who depend on the Salween", stated the Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS) today.

The Nujing river in Yunnan province is known as the Salween river in Burma. The recently approved Chinese dam project on South-east Asia's second largest river is to cover three countries: China, Thailand and Burma. The project plans for a total of twelve dams and is expected to reach a total capacity of 21 million kilowatts which is to serve mainly western Yunnan Province.

China was widely criticized by environmental groups and groups like the exiled DPNS for showing little concern for the downstream countries who fear adverse ecological effects. Aung Thu Nyein, Vice-chairman of the DPNS, said: "The upper Salween Dam projects will jeopardize the livelihood of and harmony within the Burmese communities. Fishing along the Salween provides staple food for the Burmese communities. Paddy and vegetable gardens are grown on fertile farmland along Salween".

He voiced concern that forests and wetlands along the river would dry out, that many species of flora and fauna would be eradicated and that the downstream valley wouldl be flooded with seawater influx.

"The DPNS invites other Burmese organizations to join our call to halt the upper Salween Dams project by China, as our national duty", he added.

The DPNS furthermore asked the Chinese government to consider the environmental impact of the dam project before construction and to consult with the Burmese communities situated in the area.

The DPNS was founded in 1988 by students and youth leaders who emerged from the 1988 nationwide pro-democracy movement. The DPNS secured the second largest share of votes after Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy in the 1990 general election and shifted its headquarter to Thai-Burma border in 1990 after military junta had arrested many of its leaders.