Construction of dams on Mekong river by Ivana Svinciakova

Not for the first time is emerging the conflict between the ecology and the industrial grow. This time it's concerning the Mekong River. There is a plan to build six dams on the river mostly to satisfy the energy needs of the industrial companies in the area . However, their construction would have a very bad influence on the vegetation, fishes in the river and on the villagers as well, as the Mekong river is the most important source of their aliment. In the waters can be found species like the endangered giant catfish and Irrawaddy dolphin, however, the planned dams would shallow the water and these species will probably disapear. The Mekong river is facing other problems connected with vast industrialisation in the area, as pollution, climate change and the drop of the water levels caused by the construction of dams built in China. 175 environmental and civic groups put together prepared a silent letter to the Mekong River Commission â€" which is made up of Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. This commision is responsable for managing navigation and development along the river. However, it has not made a stance about the future plan with the Mekong river and remains silent.

related story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071114/ap_on_sc/thailand_threatened_mekong;_ylt=AjbBVE7a__dWzj3NBClDoYCs0NUE

by Ivana Svinciakova for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

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