Dharamsale, Dec.11 (DPnet).– Early last September, 13 independent US Human Rights Special Procedures mandate holders expressed "deep concern" regarding the Chinese government's plans to build the Kamtok dam in the Tibetan region of Derge. The huge Kamtok dam is itself only one of 13 dams planned on the upper reaches of the Machu (Yellow) River. They are planning further construction of dams on all of the rivers originating in Tibet despite mounting scientific concerns about potential geological disasters and severe environmental consequences.
The mandate holders worried about these plans because Tibet supplies water to 1.8 billion people downstream who depend on the healthy flow of the major rivers that come from its glacial peaks. This water sustains these communities, but China’s control of Tibet puts these rivers in Beijing’s hands – and Beijing’s decisions stand to trigger disastrous consequences.
Furthermore, the Kamtok dam will submerge at least six monasteries and two villages and expel hundreds of residents. The 13 UN special mandate holders emphasized their distress regarding the irreversible destruction of religious and cultural heritage sites, as well as Tibetan ways of life. The letter also documented the lack of meaningful consultation with affected communities, a pattern of recent reprisals against protesters, and the irreversible impacts of dams on the environment and climate.
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