EGAT suspends Hatgyi dam project
Sep 05, 2007 (DVB)
Conflict Environment Lead Story News
Karen clashes linked to controversial dam project, say activists
Karen Rivers Watch says recent fighting for control of a road to the site of the controversial Hatgyi hydropower dam is putting a dangerous strain on the ceasefire in Karen State.
Electricity Environment Lead Story News
Salween documentary warns of mass flooding
A series of small islands on the Salween River is at risk of ‘going under’ if construction of a hydro-power dam goes ahead as planned, says a local NGO.
Environment Ethnic issues Lead Story News
Salween dam assessment continues, despite opposition
Activists say an environmental and social impact assessment for the proposed Naung Pha dam is being carried out without a public announcement to avoid protests that have plagued other dam projects.
Lead Story Natural Disasters News
The earthquake aftermath: ‘Don’t rush with restoration’
The number of temples that will need extensive repairs has risen from 187 last week to 397 as the Department of Archaeology continues to inventory the damage.
Ethnic issues Lead Story News Refugees
Suu Kyi camp visit called off
Refugee advocacy networks say it will be a lost opportunity for Suu Kyi, who could have met with refugees and camp leaders to discuss their return to Burma.
Environment flora and fauna Lead Story News
Suu Kyi urged not to back Salween dams
Environmentalists and community groups are calling on Aung San Suu Kyi not to commit to plans to build dams on the Salween River when she meets with Thai officials this week.
Environment Lead Story News Video
The Last Undammed River – Saving the Salween
A new documentary from DVB examines efforts to save one of Asia’s last freely flowing rivers from the potentially devastating impact of planned mega-dams.
Peace park proposed for Karen State
The creation of a peace park protecting endangered animals and the natural environment of Mutraw District in Karen State was proposed this week.
Karen Lead Story News Peace Process
Locals flee KNU recruitment drive
Despite the prospect of signing a ceasefire accord next week, the KNU is reportedly press-ganging locals in the northern Karen State township.
Lead Story Logging Natural resources News Shan
Four forestry officers slain in Shan State
According to a Shan State government administrator, the forestry officers had earlier seized 200 tons of illegally felled logs and were on their way back to check the haul. “We assume someone had a grudge,” he said.
Conflict Karen Lead Story News Refugees
2,000 displaced by recent conflict, says Karen NGO
The Karen NGO describes the recent surge in fighting as “part of a calculated military strategy” by the Burmese army and its allies, the Karen Border Guard Force.
Development Land Lead Story News
NGOs say ethnic areas have no ‘virgin lands’
A coalition of ethnic NGOs says the draft National Land Use Policy is flawed because it overlooks traditional shifting agricultural practices in Burma.
Environment Lead Story Natural resources News Politics Video
KNU wants genuine peace before dam construction resumes
The Karen National Union say they will not allow the Hatgyi dam on the Salween River in Karen state to resume until a peace agreement has been made.
Thailand must suspend Salween River dams, warn activists
Environmental activists on Tuesday called on Thailand to suspend two controversial dam projects in Burma’s conflict-torn border regions until the country’s ethnic conflicts are resolved.
Karen rebels ordered to leave area near Thai-backed dam
The Burmese army has ordered the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army to move out of an area designated for a Thai-backed hydropower dam in eastern Burma or risk military action, rebels say
Law on free assembly falls short: HRW
Although Burma recently put forth a new law concerning freedom of assembly, right’s groups are saying that the legislation is filled with loop holes
Ethnic groups fear increase in abuses
As Burma nudges towards ‘opening up’, the country’s ethnic minorities fear for their own safety as enterprises eye their resource rich regions
David Tharkabaw, KNU: ‘Treacherous offer’
Since news reports emerged on 12 January of an historic ceasefire agreed between the Burmese government and the opposition Karen National Union, rumours have circulated of disagreement in the ranks[…]
Dam investors ‘fuelling violence’
Overseas investment in Burma’s hydropower sector leads to complicity in displacement, violence and environmental ruin, group warns
189 groups urge halt to ‘intimidating’ Salween dam
Nov 23, 2009 (DVB), Burmese and Thai activists today urged both the Thai premier and a regional human rights body to cancel plans for a dam on the Salween river[…]
