
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry's plan to allow dam projects in conservation areas, such as national parks, has triggered concerns over potential adverse impacts.
Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on has reaffirmed the controversial plan, stressing that the water is for agricultural and consumption purposes, which aim to ease the people's plight.
In his response to a House inquiry, the minister said land area designated for a dam construction project would be revoked of its park or conservation status as required by the law.
At the same time, such a project requires cabinet approval and environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies, he added.
Mr Chalermchai insists that if the projects are found appropriate and cost-efficient, he will push them to ensure a speedy procedure.
However, conservationists have challenged the minister's idea, saying conservation areas should remain untouched.
Harnnarong Yaowalert, adviser to the Foundation for Integrated Water Management, said dams should be off-limit to conservation areas.
Indeed, conservationists have suggested practical alternatives. For instance, Mr Harnnarong has urged the government to consider smaller check-dams that are less destructive to forest ecology instead of limiting itself to big construction projects.
The activist is right in saying dams are not a panacea. "In fact, water management can come in many forms, and dams should not be the only option," he said.
An example is Khao Yai National Park, a World Heritage site. Theoretically, it's supposed to be free of being dammed, but it's not. Eventually, the park's area, known as Pang Sida-Thap Lan, will have the Samong Dam project built into it.
The conservationist has raised particular concern over a hydro dam proposal in a watershed area linking two wildlife sanctuaries in Chanthaburi province. The minister concedes that concerned agencies are considering allowing dam builders to explore the area. The public must scrutinise such developments.
The activist said he does not believe it's the people who will benefit from "dam in the park" projects. "When initiating a project, the state always claims it is for agriculture, but in the end, the water always goes to industry," said Mr Harnnarong.
It's just a matter of tactics. The state makes agriculture a project objective to reduce public opposition. However, few, if any, projects maintain their original purpose.
Not to mention double standards on the part of the state in its forest and conservation policy.
Meanwhile, the authorities tend to be relaxed with developers, even though several have encroached upon forest reserves or conservation areas and will get a pardon or a rent deal. But it always gets tough with poor villagers who face severe legal action without regard to ancestral rights.
It should be noted that the minister mentions mandatory EIA studies to appease critics. In reality, the process is typically riddled with problems, as it is written as a ritual in order to gain approval. It's not EIA in its real sense. If history is any guide, transparency is an issue for EIA studies for most state agencies.
While water development is crucial, Mr Chalermchai should withdraw his dam in the park idea and focus on a more environmentally friendly approach.