Lower Mekong dams – A threat for the downstream ecosystem, food secuity, and economy

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A series of hydropower dams are proposed for the Lower Mekong river, while China is already heavily damming the Upper Mekong. Like for many other river basins, the dams will block the passage of migratory fish thus leading to severe negative consequences to the food security of the downstream countries whose diet (and economy) is based on fish. Moreover, the consequences in terms of altered river flow and barrier to sediment transport will also have to be considered. At the moment, the decision on the Lower Mekong damming is on hold, but serious environmental assessment studies and a thorough political discussion should be undertaken. This article gives some good insights on the issue: http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=107947 Are you aware of some research/studies or any insight on the Lower Mekong challenge? Or could you cite other similar examples and/or lessons learnt?

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  1. Construction of dams for providing water for irrigation and power, and protecting environment are two issues involved. What is happening the dams are being constructed to utilize maximum water available in the river, in the name of benefit cost ratio and leaving little water for environment protection. This is causing problems. In Rajasthan state of India , on Gambhir river, a dam called Panchana dam, has been constructed about 10 years ago. The politicians of the area does not allow a single drop of water to go down in the river for downstream people and for Ghana Bird sanctuary situated at the tail end of river. With the result water is being arranged for the Bird sanctuary from Chambal river. I suggest the dams should be built to store only fifty percent of dependable flow available in the river, not more than that. After construction of dam on pious Ganga river, the flow in the river is greatly reduced and obstructing to perform religious activities on the river. The water of Yamuna river at Okhala barrage has become polluted and is not fit even for agriculture. The people who are in advantageous position after construction of dams and run off the river canals, becomes so greedy , that they do not wish to hear the problems of downstream people, even in the same country.