Hydropower dams, major development projects halted in Shan State till reassessment

The Naungpha hydropower dam along with several other major projects in Shan State have been suspended until cost-benefit field analyses, environmental analyses and social impact assessments are performed, said State Minister for Finance and Planning, U Soe Nyunt Lwin.

The Naungpha dam on the Thanlwin River, a joint venture between local conglomerate IGE and China's Hydrochina Corporation, was slated to generate 1200 megawatts of electricity that would have been sold to China.

Projects related to hydropower, coal-fired power, large-acreage and border development, and hotels approved under the previous government are also on hold until the assessment is complete, reports Myanmar Times.

U Soe Nyunt Lwin said yesterday, experts will inspect the suspended projects and analyse their costs and benefits for the people and the nation. Projects deemed beneficial on balance will be reapproved, though, possibly with altered terms.

For years, environmental and human rights groups have called for a halt to the hydropower dam construction on the Thanlwin River in Shan and other states, citing uncertain impacts.