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Post Info TOPIC: Rapid Expansion of Vientiane Capital Damages Environment


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Rapid Expansion of Vientiane Capital Damages Environment
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By Songrit Pongern
Bangkok, Thailand
12/02/2010
 
Rapid Expansion of Vientiane Capital Damages Environment
 
Lao authorities acknowledge that the rapid expansion of Vientiane, Laos'
capital, without careful planning and strict compliance with regulations has
led to widespread encroachment and destruction of the city's wetlands and
agricultural land areas.
 
The acknowledgment came from Mr. Daophet Aloun, Director-General of the
Sciences and Technology Department, who said the most serious concern
stemming from the on-going development of Vientiane capital was the massive
destruction of the environment and agricultural lands surrounding the city,
caused by the rapid urbanization and expansion of residential and industrial
areas.
 
Especially hard hit are the wetlands, canals and lakes, which help protect
Vientiane capital from floods during heavy rain periods, and serve as
biodiversity-rich food sources as well as important irrigation sources for
agriculture. These water bodies are being encroached upon and seriously
damaged due to unchecked expansion of residential and industrial areas that
lack careful planning and/or compliance with governing rules and laws.
 
This negative impact was also confirmed by Mr. Saithong Keodouangdy, Mayor
of Chanthabouly - one of the most rapidly expanding districts of Vientiane,
who raised his concerns among local and business people over the long-term
effect of the widespread encroachment of wetlands, canals and lakes, such as
Nong Tha Lake, in suburban Vientiane, arguing that this situation could lead
to many problems in the future.
 
In Vientiane capital, there are over 20 wetlands and water bodies that play
a vital role in protecting the city from being flooded and supplying foods
to residents. Among these, Beung That Luang, Nong Makkhai and Nong Tha
lakes, are the most important water resources for Vientiane capital.
 
However, a 50-year concession granted by the Lao government to a Chinese
investment group to build a new economic and urban center on a 1,000 hectare
area of the Beung That Luang wetlands in exchange for its help in building
the new stadium that was used as the main venue for the 25th SEA Games that
Laos hosted on December 9-18, has again raised environmentalists' concern as
they find that development of this wetlands area will inevitably create
negative impact on the environment of the That Luang wetlands.
 
The Lao government has also granted a 50-year concession to a Vietnamese
business group to conduct a feasibility study in the Nong Tha Lake area of
Chanthabouly district, aiming to turn 75-hectares of the wetlands
surrounding the lake into a new residential area and business center of
Vientiane capital. According VOA Bangkok stringer, this feasibility study
will be completed in March, next month, and the project will start soon
after.
 
This project has also raised fear among many people as they argue that it
could create a significant impact on the environment and natural resources
of Vientiane capital, if the environmental and social impact studies fail to
meet international standards.


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Anonymous

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It is difficult to balance the economy growth, and the protection of the environment



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Anonymous

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Anonymous wrote:

It is difficult to balance the economy growth, and the protection of the environment



Why does it have to be so difficult?  What we have the most is abundance of land as we're so sparsely populated.

 



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