(October 23, 2006) A controversial Chinese plan currently on the boil in Beijing, that involves damming the Brahmaputra river and diverting 200 billion cubic metres of water annually to feed the ageing Yellow river, is giving sleepless nights to the Indian government.
Media and the future of Tiger Leaping Gorge
(October 23, 2006) “It is a test-case”, Professor Yu had told me before I went to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge. “The plan to build a dam in this scenic spot is an opportunity for local people; NGO’s, the Chinese media and everyone who’s concerned with the current decision-making mechanism have their voices heard.
Discharge turns Yellow River red
(October 23, 2006) A kilometer-long section of China’s Yellow River has turned "red and smelly" in Lanzhou, a city of two million and the capital of the northwest’s Gansu Province. It wasn’t immediately clear what was tainting the river, the country’s second longest.
Burma energy deals sought
(October 23, 2006) Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand is expected to discuss the possibility of additional investments by PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) when he meets his Burmese counterpart today.
China’s New Environmental Impact Assessment Qualification Rules
(October 22, 2006) In October 2005, the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) strengthened the domestic environmental impact assessment (EIA) market by conducting a nationwide review of the environmental impact assessment agencies (EIA Agencies) and re-issuing qualification certificates.
Water storage plan postponed for Three Gorges reservoir
(October 21, 2006) The water level in the Three Gorges reservoir is expected to rise to 156 meters a week behind schedule as the original water storage plan has been postponed.
China struggles to treat floating debris at Three Gorges
(October 21, 2006) China is struggling to find a solution on how to treat the huge amount of floating debris which is clogging up the Three Gorges Reservoir.
Nigerian leaders ‘stole’ $380bn
(October 20, 2006) “Basically, this money has gone to waste." More than $380 billion has either been stolen or wasted by Nigerian governments since independence in 1960, Nigeria’s chief corruption fighter has said.
Yangtze and Pearl river estuaries now ‘dead zones’
(October 20, 2006) The Yangtze River and Pearl River estuaries have been listed as newly registered “dead zones,” according to a study released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
New energy minister thumbs down projects
(October 20, 2006) New Thai Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand has killed the grand plans of his predecessors, from vast tracts of oil palms to make biodiesel to building hydropower dams in military-ruled Myanmar.
Africa loses about 148 billion dollars through corruption annually
(October 19, 2006) Corruption also scares away investors, affects development, entrepreneurship and impedes growth. Sir Quett Ketumile Masire, former president of Botswana has said Africa loses more than $148 billion annually due to corruption.
Caught in the ebb
(October 19, 2006) Impoverished villagers along the vast Mekong are blaming China for threatening of the livelihoods of millions, writes Benjamin Robertson.
Thailand may delay controversial dam project in Burma
(October 18, 2006) Piyasvasti Amranand, Thailand’s energy minister, is considering a move to refocus the country’s hydropower projects from Burma to Laos, according to a source close to the minister.
Filmmaker Jia Zhangke on the forgotten people of Three Gorges
(October 16, 2006) Fresh from winning a prestigious award for Still Life, his feature film set against the backdrop of the Three Gorges dam, the acclaimed director talks to Three Gorges Probe about the making, and the meaning, of the movie.
Yunnan suggests redrawing boundary of Three Parallel Rivers heritage site
(October 16, 2006) Translated from the Guangzhou-based Nanfeng Chuang magazine.
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