Tibetan activist appeals to Chinese government to save river ecosystem from illegal sand mining
- In Reports
- 11:44 AM, Oct 22, 2024
- Myind Staff
A Tibetan petitioner has made an urgent plea to the central Chinese government to protect the river ecosystem of his hometown, Tsaruma, from irreversible damage caused by illegal sand mining. Tsowo Tsering, a man in his late twenties, shared a video on social media on October 15, calling for immediate intervention. The video, which has since been removed, showed drone footage of vast open pits left by sand extraction, which he claims is destroying the riverbed and surrounding environment.
Tsowo's message was delivered in Chinese and addressed to the central leadership in Beijing. He appealed for action against Anhui Xianhe Construction Engineering Company, the firm he accuses of causing environmental damage. He also requested an investigation into local government officials who he believes are colluding with the company. His plea aligns with China’s “ecological civilisation” principle, promoted by President Xi Jinping, which emphasises that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets."
Tsowo explained that the illegal sand mining started in May 2023, during the construction of a road through the Tsaruma River. This activity has resulted in severe soil erosion, pollution, and the destruction of the river ecosystem. Tsowo warned that if left unchecked, this destruction could destabilise the housing foundations of local pastoralists and threaten the biodiversity of the region, including the Machu (Yellow) and Drichu (Yangtze) Rivers, into which the Tsaruma River flows.
Despite multiple petitions from Tsowo and his fellow villagers to various government departments, no restoration work has been initiated. They submitted photos and videos of the damaged sites to local authorities, including the Tsaruma Township government, the Chungchu County Commission for Discipline Inspection, and the Water Affairs and Environmental Protection Bureaus of Chungchu County and Ngawa Prefecture. However, according to Tsowo, these reports have been largely ignored.
In April 2024, Tsowo received a response from the Ecological Protection Bureau of Chungchu County, confirming that Anhui Xianhe Construction Engineering Company had been penalised and their mining activities declared illegal. However, no action has been taken to restore the damaged environment. “Fines are being used as a substitute for real action,” Tsowo said in his video, accusing the authorities of protecting the company rather than enforcing environmental laws.
The case highlights a growing awareness among young Tibetans that China’s environmental laws should apply in Tibet, which is often called the "Water Tower of Asia" due to its crucial role in supplying water to the continent. Tsowo urged the Discipline Inspection Commission of the Chinese Communist Party to intervene, warning that the "low cost of violating the law" is leading to ongoing ecological destruction that could have catastrophic consequences for the local environment and water security.
The Tsaruma River, a tributary of the Machu and Drichu Rivers, plays a vital role in the local ecosystem. Sand mining has not only caused erosion but also polluted the waters, threatening biodiversity and the broader water security of China. The impact is not just local, as the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers, which originate in Tibet, flow into mainland China and are essential to millions of people.
Tsowo’s video highlighted that local residents were not consulted during the review process of their petitions. He explained that in April 2024, he was informed by the authorities that the results of the investigation had been shared with the pastoralists “multiple times, in writing or in person.” However, Tsowo insists that no such communication was ever received by him or his fellow villagers. He called this claim “fictitious” and accused the authorities of failing to take responsibility for their duties.
The video, showing carrier trucks near open pits and evidence of environmental damage, serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing destruction. Tsowo expressed frustration with the lack of accountability, stating that the petition system had become ineffective. He emphasised that without stronger enforcement of environmental laws, the region would face an “irreversible disaster.”
Tsowo concluded his message by calling on the central government to uphold its commitment to environmental protection. He requested an on-site investigation into the damaged ecosystem, legal action against the company involved, and accountability for local officials who may be colluding with the business. He stressed that restoring the environment is not just about penalties but about ensuring that future generations can continue to live and thrive in the region.
The case reflects broader concerns about the impact of industrial activities on Tibet’s environment, particularly as sand mining;an essential resource for urbanization which continues to grow. It also underscores the importance of effective governance and enforcement of China’s environmental laws, especially in sensitive regions like Tibet.
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