South Asia / Press Releases

Latest scientific estimates show that large dams in India are responsible for about a fifth of the countries' total global warming impact. The estimates also reveal that Indian dams are the largest global warming contributors compared to all other nations. This estimate by Ivan Lima and colleagues from Brazil's National Insitute

A World Bank-funded water project in Pakistan has led to widespread environmental harm and suffering among local communities. The project has contributed to deadly floods, and violates six of the Bank’s binding policies. These are the main conclusions of an investigation by the Inspection Panel, the World Bank’s independent investigative body.

The World Bank Board of Directors will decide on a new Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) for India on Thursday, August 26. In this strategy, the World Bank proposes to double loans to India, and to spend $550 million on new dams in 2005–08. Indian and international civil society groups reject the proposed strategy.

Independent Commission to Review World’s Dams

Dam critics and proponents have agreed to work together to establish a top–level commission to review the social, economic and environmental costs and benefits of the world’s dams, recommend international standards on dam construction and assess sustainable and equitable methods of land and water management and energy production. The review will also make recommendations on repairing the environmental damage done by existing dams and on reparations for people whose livelihoods have suffered because of dams.