New commission to decide fate of Myitsone dam in Kachin State
President Htin Kyaw on Friday formed a new commission to evaluate all proposed hydropower projects on the Irrawaddy River prior to their going ahead. The commission is tasked with assessing the potential environmental and social effects of any proposed project—both up- and downstream—its possible impact on foreign investment and the wider economy, and potential losses in water resources set alongside public access to electricity. The halt order on the China-backed Myitsone Dam, issued by former President Thein Sein in September 2011, followed widespread public protest against the project—led partially by Suu Kyi, then opposition leader, in her calls to “save the Irrawaddy.”
