Earlier this month a coalition of Karen environmental community based groups, the Karen River Watch, joined local villagers to protest the building of the hydro-power Hat Gyi Dam, in Hlaingbwe Township, Kayin State, reports Karen News on March 27.
The protest marked the International Day of Action for Rivers and Against Dams, held each year on March 14.
The Hat Gyi Dam is one of six hydropower dam projects planned for the Salween River by the Myanmar government. It is estimated the Hat Gyi Dam will generate 1,360 megawatt of electricity, 90 percent of it to be sold to neighbouring countries.
Naw Hsa Moo, an organizer with the told Karen News that local people have not been informed of the consequences of the dam. “It is very important for local people to understand very clearly about how the dam construction will impact their livelihood and how it will benefit them.”