Salween Field Study in Shan State W

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Subject: Salween Field Study in Shan State Wound Up: 

28 April 1999 

Salween Field Study in Shan State Wound Up

According to S.H.A.N. source who recently returned from Shan State, Thai
surveyors are back from their field study there since the end of March. 

"There were several companies involved in the studies", said the source.
"First, the Japanese company called the Electronic Power Development
Corporation, and the Burmese Aye Chan Aye Company. Then, we have the MDX, the
Thai contractor, the AAM, that did general survey, the GMT that did the
drilling of rocks on both sides of the river Salween, and the Thai Sawat that
was responsible for transportation". 

The field work started on 19 October last year and ended on 31 March. The
place
was - miles from the Thai border near Tasang Bridge, between Mongpan and
Mongton townships. security was provided by the Burma Army's No.3 Tactical
Command, comprising battalions 65, 43 and 225. he area is reportedly patrolled
by also columns from the Shan States Army's 727th Brigade. 

The source, however, could not say whither the dam was due to be
constructed in
Shan State. "The surveyors say it's up to the EPDC to decide", he said.
Feasibility studies have also been conducted further south in the Karenni and
Karen States. 

The dam project is being opposed by the NGOs and Shan organizations.