According to the Hong Kong Mingpao, China’s Prime Minister Wen Jiabao ordered the disputed Yunnan Province Nu River Thirteenth Level Water Dam Project halted, until it is more thoroughly scientifically researched. The project will then be evaluated by the National Development and Revolution Committee.

It was reported last August that the China National Development and Revolution Committee approved the Nu River Middle and Low Reaches Water and Electricity Project Report which called for the Songta and Maji dams in Tibet to be used as faucet dams and Bingzhongluo, Lumadeng, Fugong, Li River, Yadiluo, Wushui, Liuku, Shitouzhai, Sage, Yansangshu, and Guangpo to compose the “two-dam, 13 levels” exploration plan. With over 2.1 million kilowatts capacity, the project would exceed the Three Gorge Project in output.

However, local departments eager for profitable economic returns collaborated with China’s Huaneng Corporation and Yunnan Province and created a joint-venture named the Huadian Nu River Water Electrical Exploration Company, without Beijing’s authorization. In addition, the Nu River Project was questioned by some Mainland scientists. Last September, China’s National Environmental Protection Bureau called a meeting with Beijing officials at which more than 30 experts in zoology, forestry, farming and geology opposed the project.

The Nu River borders a few other countries, and officials in those countries are also asking the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference to stop construction of the dam. However, due to Beijing’s control of public opinion, the media is restricted in presenting opposing viewpoints on the matter, so opposition can only be voiced at Zhongnanhai.

The report said that the National Development and Revolution Committee received the evaluation report from the President’s Office. Wen Jiabao said that the monumental water and electrical project has caused much controversy, leading the government to want to further study the environmental effects. Yunnan University Asia National River Research Center Director He Daming, said that this new assessment opposing the construction of the Nu River dam should be considered a priority because they should take time to fully study the project and not to repeat the mistakes made in the past.