Tibet floods: Activists question China’s transparency over deaths, damage

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Tibetan groups raise concerns over flood damage, environmental impact and lack of transparency on affected areas in Tibet.

McLeodganj, September 1

A press briefing titled “Asia’s Water Tower in Crisis: Demand for Transparency on Tibet Nepal Flash Floods” was held on Tuesday at the Tibetan Settlement Office in McLeodganj, where concerns were raised over the damage caused by flash floods in Tibet and Nepal and their possible causes.

The International Tibet Network and Students for a Free Tibet India organized the briefing. Speakers discussed the impact of the floods and alleged that China has not made sufficient information public regarding deaths, affected villages and the extent of damage in Tibet.

Concerns were also raised over increasing infrastructure development and the exploitation of natural resources in Tibet. Dhondup, a researcher with the Environment and Development Department of the Tibet Policy Institute, said rapid infrastructure development in Tibet is affecting the environment.

She said rivers and water resources originating in Tibet are directly linked to India and other parts of the region. Any environmental changes in Tibet, she added, could therefore have implications for India as well.

Dhondup called on China to release accurate and transparent information regarding the loss of life and property and the areas affected by the flash floods.