"Cancel the Construction of Jicheon Dam" Chaos Erupts at Town Hall Meeting

Governor Kim Taeheum: "Let's Consider Together"... Residents: "Cancel the Construction Plans"

A discussion with residents of Cheongyang County regarding the construction plan for the Jicheon Dam in Cheongyang, Chungnam, turned chaotic amid ongoing conflict over the project.

Governor Kim Tae-heum appealed to Cheongyang residents to consider the dam construction together, but the Cheongyang Jicheon Dam Opposition Committee demanded Governor Kim's resignation.

Kim Dongon, the county governor who had not previously stated his position, said in his welcoming remarks at the meeting with Cheongyang residents held on the 26th, "If the dam construction only forces unilateral sacrifice on the region and, as residents fear, is expected to cause one-sided damage, then we have no choice but to oppose it." This statement further amplified the voices of opposing residents.

Governor Kim said, "Regarding the dam construction, it is an urgent situation that requires explanations and measures that local residents can accept," and added, "The province, together with the Ministry of Environment, must listen to the issues that residents oppose and are concerned about, and resolve the confusion in the region."

Residents vehemently opposed the dam construction, arguing that it would harm livestock farms and submerge residential areas.

Residents asserted, "If the dam is built, fog will increase by more than 70%, and the mortality rate of cattle from respiratory diseases will rise," adding, "When it comes to water management policy, gathering the opinions of local residents is most important, so give Cheongyang residents the right to decide."

On the other hand, residents in favor of the project urged for the dam's construction by releasing photos of polluted Jicheon Dam water.

During Governor Kim's explanation of the necessity of the dam, loud shouting and flying water bottles created a dangerous situation.

Governor Kim stated, "Dam construction is a national project, and the province supports it within the larger framework, but in the process, we will fully listen to and gather residents' opinions," adding, "We are sincere about the dam construction, and as the provincial governor, I have considered the direction Cheongyang should take. I will not avoid the voices of opposition and will resolve them one by one."

He emphasized, "We will not unconditionally demand sacrifice from residents of submerged areas," and added, "We will create relocation complexes in scenic areas around the dam and provide farmland nearby for farmers."

Among the 14 candidate sites for climate crisis dams announced by the Ministry of Environment last month, Cheongyang Jicheon Dam was selected in Chungnam. The Ministry of Environment plans to hold a briefing session on dam construction in Cheongyang County on the 27th to gather residents' opinions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.