Xayaburi Dam Dispels Rumors of Role in Dry Mekong River
Amid an ongoing drought and low water levels, the state of the Mekong River is a topic that is animating discussion along the watercourse, with sights often aimed squarely at the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant. To help clear the waters, the project owners invited regional media for a site visit.
Climate change, water usage, livelihoods, human safety, bio-diversity, and increased hydro-industrialization are issues drawing increased attention to the state of the river and wider ecosystems in the basin amid dryer conditions.
As water levels dip downstream in these dry months, those affected and concerned naturally cast their attention upstream for answers, with the calls for answers increasing in volume and urgency.
Steven Cleary
