Residents stare at uncertain future as Cabinet gives nod to blasting of Mekong River rapids

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Residents stare at uncertain future as Cabinet gives nod to blasting of Mekong River rapids
By PRATCH RUJIVANAROM
THE NATION
CHIANG RAI

 

The Khon Phee Lhong rocky shoals on the Mekong River pose a dangerous stretch for navigators but also provide habitat for fish and help sustain the river’s ecosystem.

 

CHIANG RAI: -- THE rough hands of veteran ferry driver Chalin Cheableam steer a small boat up the river to the Khon Phee Lhong rapids on the Mekong River. In his late 50s and having navigated boats on the Mekong River since he was teenager, Chalin has many stories about the geographical signatures of the river and connections to local lore.

 

Many rocky shoals (“khon”), sand-dune islands (“don”), and steep rocky riverbanks (“pha”) can be seen while travelling along the river. These geographical characteristics are unique to the Mekong River from Chiang Saern district in Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang in Laos, and for a long time local people have developed their culture and way of lives to be in harmony with the nature of the river.

 

However, he fears that everything is going to change, as an international project to improve the river’s navigation route, allowing barges larger than 500 tonnes gross to travel along the river all year round was approved by the Cabinet this month. This has caused wide concern among locals living along the river in Thailand.

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30304191

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-01-16

[jobsworth]

why not build canals to bypass the rapids? that way wildlife habitat is maintained and large barges can pass.

 

[Langsuan Man]

14 minutes ago, jobsworth said:

why not build canals to bypass the rapids? that way wildlife habitat is maintained and large barges can pass.

 

 

That would cost money and the whole world is praying at the altar of cheap 

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, jobsworth said:

why not build canals to bypass the rapids? that way wildlife habitat is maintained and large barges can pass.

 

Because that cost real money... not the Thai way!

[waldroj]

"...These geographical characteristics are unique...and for a long time local people have developed their culture and way of lives to be in harmony with the nature of the river..."

 

Means little to China  !!! 

[lvr181]

4 hours ago, jobsworth said:

why not build canals to bypass the rapids? that way wildlife habitat is maintained and large barges can pass.

 

 

Nah, that is commonsense farang thinking - not welcome. Easier to destroy than create.

 

Wash your mouth out.