Nakhon Nayok: Khao Yai Forest Conservation Network petitions the House Land Committee to halt the reservoir project around the Khao Yai forest area, fearing it will affect the World Heritage Site and wildlife habitats. Elephants have already invaded the city and trampled people to death. They pointed out that officials are rushing to conduct an SEA and that the public hearings are questionable. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Poonsak Chanchampi, as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Environment, received a letter from Mr. Suthee Ratnamongkolkul, President of the Nakhon Nayok Citizens Association and the Khao Yai Forest Conservation Network, Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri Provinces, and his team, opposing the Khlong Maduea Reservoir Project in Nakhon Nayok Province and the Reservoir Project around the World Heritage Forest Area, Dong Phaya Yen-Yen Khao Yai. The president of the Nakhon Nayok Citizens Association expressed concerns that the construction of reser voirs and dams around Khao Yai, a world heritage site, may impact its status and lead to the loss of another 20,000 rai of Khao Yai forest. This forest is a crucial ecosystem and not just a general conservation area because it comprises a stream ecosystem that cannot accommodate construction. The development is expected to intrude on wildlife areas, leaving wildlife, such as elephants, without a habitat. Currently, incidents have already occurred, with elephants trampling individuals to death in Nakhon Nayok Province. Public hearings are ongoing but are reportedly held in suspicious circumstances, with references to agencies and procedures affecting the strategic environment. Concerns have been raised over reports that inaccurately claim the absence of tigers in the area. The association urges a halt to public hearings until the strategic environmental impact assessment is completed and the world heritage concerns are addressed. Mr. Poonsak emphasized the importance of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in this context. He assured that the committee process would resolve unclear information, ensuring transparency for the public. He noted that this situation is reminiscent of developments in Ranong Province, which is also undergoing World Heritage Site registration and facing similar environmental challenges due to ongoing projects. Observations indicate that government agencies might be hastening these projects, potentially overlooking public concerns and environmental repercussions. To address these issues, the committee plans to invite relevant agencies, including the Royal Irrigation Department and the petitioners, to provide comprehensive information and foster clarity.
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