Nagano governor stops construction of 2 dams

In response to public calls for "no more tax money for wasteful public works projects," Governor Tanaka Yasuo of Nagano Prefecture has announced that he will stop the planned construction of two dams in the prefecture.

He said this at the prefectural assembly session on June 25 in answer to a question by a Japanese Communist Party assembly member.

Based on his "No-dam declaration" of February 2001, the governor has held talks with residents concerned, and conducted research on the possible after-effects around the dam sites. He then decided to stop constructing two dams; the Asakawa Dam in Nagano City (by canceling the contract); and the Shimosuwa Dam in Shimosuwa Town.

Tanaka stated that these plans failed to obtain residents' agreement.

The residents want a policy of flood control without a dam, according to the JCP assembly member. The governor responded that river improvement will be hastened, and more taxpayers' money will be spent for irrigation works.

Tanaka's new policy will be a sharp blow to pro-dam forces both in political and business circles and a great encouragement to "no-dam" forces in Nagano, which is surrounded by many mountains including the Japan Alps. (end)