By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, March 15: On the occasion of the International Day of Action for Rivers, the Tibet Policy Institute, a think tank under the exile Tibetan government organized a panel discussion in Dharamshala titled “China’s Dam in Dege: Examining the Adverse Social, Cultural, and Ecological Impact on Tibetans and Beyond.” The discussion highlighted the ongoing construction of dams in Dege, Tibet, and its effects on local communities and downstream regions and issued a ’10-Point Calls from Tibetan Experts’ while urging the Chinese government to cease construction of dams without local consent and to halt forced relocations immediately.
Transparency in eco-environmental information was highlighted as a necessity, with calls for the Chinese government to disclose more information about hydropower development plans in Tibet’s major rivers. Public involvement in decision-making processes and thorough environmental assessments for all development projects in Tibet were also emphasized.
Concerns regarding seismic risks posed by dam construction in Tibet were raised, with experts stressing the need for thorough seismic risk assessments to protect millions of people living along Tibet’s rivers. Advocacy for free, prior, and informed consent principles, proper compensation, and preservation of cultural heritage before initiating any projects requiring local consent was emphasized. Additionally, calls were made for the international community to disengage from businesses involved in detrimental activities in Tibet until human rights concerns are addressed.
The panellists present at the discussion included Dechen Palmo, Ngawang Lungtok, Dr Lobsang Yangtso, and Dr Tenzin Lhadon, representing various research and human rights organizations focused on Tibet-related issues.
Dr. Tenzin Lhadon of TPI remarked that the construction of the Dege dam primarily affects local Tibetan people, and there are no other stakeholders affected. She noted that if the dam were constructed on a river that flows into other countries, there would likely be more international advocacy. Dr. Lhadon emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the plight of those impacted by the dam’s construction in Dege.
One Response
There is a tibetan singer called dechen shak-dagsay, a pure toepa girl,adopted by dagsay in switzerland. reported became a CCP mouthpiece. she is being double headed toepa woman who is acting as a khampa woman! she praises the colonial education of tibetan children in tibet…..
check the twitter of Chen Weihua / twitter.com/chenweihua/status/1769859227336462528
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