NGO questions dam project suspensions

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-07-27 18:07

A domestic environmental protection organization questioned the recent punishment issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection on the construction of two environmentally-unfriendly hydroelectric plants, pointing out flaws in the decision, the First Financial Daily reported Monday.

The Green Volunteer League, a Chongqing-based environmental NGO, handed in its administration reconsideration letter recently, asking the Ministry to reconsider its recent punishment on two hydropower projects in Jinshajiang River, southwest China.

On June 11, the Ministry of Environmental Protection halted two projects of hydroelectric plants that were then under construction without passing the environment impact assessment.

Calling it a good act to terminate the potential ecological cost and social costs, the chief of the organization believes, however, the decision is not a “flawless” one.

The Ministry should halt the construction of two hydroelectric plants rather than just ban the construction of the dams, said Wu Dengming, chief of the organization. Decision makers should also be fully aware of the potential dangers that it may bring about once the construction is banned, such as water and soil erosion, Wu added.

As the first case of administration reconsideration proposed by a civil environmental organization, the letter has been sent to the Ministry of Environmental Protection as well as the National Development and Reform Commission. According to Chinese Administrative Law, the authorities will respond to their suggestions within five days after it is received.