The controversy over the Three Gorges Dam has raged since before it was built. The possible negative environmental impact of the dam has raised concern from some experts. From Reuters:
China’s huge Three Gorges Dam hydro-power project could spark “catastrophe” unless accumulating environmental threats are quickly defused, senior officials and experts have warned, according to state media…
Director of the administrative office in charge of building the dam, Wang Xiaofeng, told the meeting that it was time to face up to the environmental consequences of constructing the massive concrete wall across the country’s biggest river…
Wang cited a litany of threats, especially erosion and landslides on steep hills around the dam, conflicts over land shortages and “ecological deterioration caused by irrational development”. [Full Text]
See also the People’s Daily report and an updated report from The Guardian: Three Gorges Dam risk to environment, says China
As well as the article (subscribers only) by The Wall Street Journal: China Recognizes Dangers Caused by Three Gorges Dam
