China’s eco-warriors make last stand against Poyang Lake dam
Final review is now under way for project on Lake Poyang, which environmentalists say would be a disaster for several endangered species
Environmentalists are making a last-ditch effort to halt a controversial plan to build a 13 billion yuan (HK$14.5 billion) dam on China’s biggest freshwater lake, Poyang, fearing the project will take a toll on endangered migratory birds and finless porpoises.
Activists are urging the public to file objections to the project, as an environmental risk evaluation is currently under way. Developers will be allowed to start construction once the review is completed.
[The prolonged dry spell] is leading to degradation of the lake’s ecology and environment, and bringing problems to water supply and irrigation
The lake, in eastern Jiangxi province, is one of only two large lakes that still naturally connect to the Yangtze River. But it has been suffering from worsening drought in the winter months over the past decade.
This year, the low-water period began on September 19, more than 50 days earlier than in an average year. Local officials blame decreased water levels in the Yangtze, reduced rainfall and intensive human activities. They say building a series of sluice gates on a channel linking Lake Poyang to the Yangtze would raise water levels in the lake during dry months.
The provincial water resources bureau said the prolonged dry spell “is leading to degradation of the lake’s ecology and environment, and bringing problems to water supply and irrigation”. The province first floated the idea of damming the lake in 2008.
