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HEALTHY RIVERS, HAPPY COMMUNITIES FOR NOW AND THE FUTURE

Publications

Current Status of Dam Projects on Burma’s Salween River

In late February 2013, Burma’s Deputy Minister of Electric Power informed Parliament that six dam projects on the Salween River in Shan State, Kayah State (Karenni) and Karen State had gained approval. With a combined installed capacity of 15,000 MW, the projects will include the Upper Salween or Kunlong Dam, Mai Tong or Tasang Dam, Nong Pha Dam, Mantawng Dam (on a tributary), Ywathit Dam, and Hatgyi Dam. The investment will come from five Chinese corporations, Thailand’s Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand (EGAT) International Co. Ltd and three Burmese corporations.

By:Salween Watch
March 13, 2013

To Download: English | Thai

Catalyst for conflict

To download: English | Burmese

Lessons from the Kachin “development” experience

This report summarizes findings from seven years of research and demonstrates that the Kachin experience should serve as a warning to other ethnic groups attempting peace through a similar process. Without a political resolution first, there can be no just or sustainable development of Burma.

The newsletter was published in May 2012.
Download the report: Englsih | Burmese | Kachin

Stop Damming the Chindwin

Burma's military government, together with the government of India, is planning to build a giant hydroelectric dam on the Chindwin River, a major tributary of the Irrawaddy, in Burma’s northwest Sagaing Division. 80% of the electricity produced will be exported to India. If construction of Tamanthi Dam goes ahead the flood reservoir will be almost 1,400 sq km, the size of Delhi, and will permanently displace over 45,000 people. 2,400 villagers have already been forcibly moved to a relocation site.

Published in December 2011.

English | Burmese | Kuki

Shweli Under Siege

Burma’s military-backed government is proceeding with two mega dams on Burma’s Shweli River, a major tributary of the Irrawaddy, which will forcibly displace 3,000 people and directly impact over 15,000. The report details how farmlands have been confiscated, roads built, and surveying conducted under military escort in preparation for construction of two hydropower dams in northern Shan State, which will export electricity to China. The area has recently seen escalated conflict between Burma’s Army and ethnic resistance forces and soldiers have been deployed to secure the dam sites.
Published in November 2011
English | Burmese

Cancel the 7 Dams, Save the Irrawaddy

To Download: English

An Update on the Irrawaddy myitsone dams project

Following Thein Sein’s announcement on September 30 that construction of the Irrawaddy Myitsone dam would be suspended, villagers living near the project are living in a state of uncertainty and fear as there is no evidence on the ground that the dam project has indeed been suspended. KDNG has been monitoring the Irrawaddy Myitsone Dams Project since 2005 and provides this brief update based on research conducted just before and after the suspension announcement.

The report was published on October 14, 2011.

To download the report: English

Myitsone EIA Report

To download: Full Report

Burma Rivers Network response to China Power Investment Corporation comments on Myitsone dam

October 4, 2011

Burma Rivers Network response to China Power Investment Corporation comments on Myitsone dam

On October 3, Chinese media interviewed Lu Qizhou, the President of China Power Investment Corporation, about Burma’s Myitsone hydropower project. Below is a response to key points in the interview by the Burma Rivers Network.

Analysis of Environmental Impact Study on Hydropower Development of Irrawaddy River

Analysis of Environmental Impact Study on Hydropower Development of Irrawaddy River
An analysis of key recommendations in the EIA of seven dams on the Irrawaddy and its tributaries in Kachin State which was funded by China Power Investment Corporation
Published in July 2011

To download: English

Stop Damming in War Zones on Burma's Major Rivers

Stop Damming in War Zones on Burma's Major Rivers
A briefing on recent conflicts at dam sites in Burma
Published in June 2011

To download: English

Ordered Out

8,000 people will be forced to relocate in October 2011 to make way for the reservoir of the Upper Paunglaung Dam. The dam will provide electricity to the capital of Nay Pyi Taw while the local people will suffer social and environmental impacts. Swiss and British companies are involved in the dam.
Published in May 2011

To download: English| Burmese| Kayan| Chinese