Quiet on the Salween

Quiet on the Salween, say locals

The Tasang dam

The Burmese security unit from the projected dam site has already been withdrawn since August, villagers in the vicinity have reported who came to the weekly market at the border. 

"There are only a handful of Burmese soldiers who are stationed upstream at Sob Hwelong," said a source at the Wednesday-Friday market at BP-1, between Shan State's Mongton and Chiangmai's Chiangdao. 

A 37-strong Company-3, commanded by Capt Soe Maung Htay of LIB 520 (Mongpan) is reported to be at Sob Hwelong on the west bank. "Apart from regular patrols between Hsala Crossing in the south and its outpost by motorboats, there have been no special activities," confirmed another. 

Tang Palao on the east bank, where the Bangkok-based GMS Power Co. Ltd., under protection by IB 225 and IB 294, used to be active until late last year, is empty save for the village, according to the source. 

Sources from the area said the Tasang dam, after completion, would not only supply at least 3,300 megawatts of electricity to energy-starved Lower Burma, including Rangoon, but also divert fresh water to Thailand, quoting local armymen. 

"But the surveys have shown that the soil is full of cavities so that it will cost a lot to lay conduits," said one. 

The dam is still believed to be in the last stages of pre-construction planning that includes Detailed Design, Environment Impact Assessment and a financial plan. 

In the meanwhile, a new hydroelectricity plant is being planned to be constructed at the Kengtawng Falls on the Namteng in the west. (Ref: 16 August report on Shan web http://www.shanland.org)