Nu (Salween) River / Letters

As controversty raged in China around development plans for the Nu River, 90 environmental and community groups in Burma and Thailand lodged their own appeal with Beijing to release the project's environmental impact assessment in September 2005.

A broad coalition of Chinese groups wrote to the Chinese government in August 2005 urging public disclosure of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Nu River Hydropower Development Plan. Endorsed by 459 individuals and 92 organizations, the letter was sent after Chinese groups learnt that the government is considering approving up to four dams on the pristine Nu River.

Over 76 environmental and human rights organizations expressed concerns over the impacts of the proposed dams on the Nu River and how the projects are proceeding without consultation with downstream riparian residents, March 2004.

Over 80 people's groups in Thailand and Burma spoke out against China's plans for 13 large dams on the Nu River. The groups say that the dams will bring devastating effects for people downstream, and called on China to consult with downstream communities who depend on the river for fishing and farming. Thai-Karen communities have lived along the Salween river and its tributaries for generations. Their lives depend on the richness of the lush ecosystem and natural resources of the Salween river basin.