GWR
08-07-08, 01:17 PM
Bid to suspend plan to expand Map Ta Phut zone
By Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation
Published on July 8, 2008
The National Health Office is to ask the government to suspend plans to expand the industrial zone in Map Ta Phut over concerns for the quality of life and well-being of residents.
The National Health Office's secretary-general, Dr Amphon Jindawattan says Map Ta Phut's residents have suffered for several years from pollution released by more than 1,752 factories surrounding their village. This was the result of wrongful development of the Eastern Seaboard project, which was introduced 47 years ago. Now the government is considering expanding the industrial zone, which would destroy residential and agricultural zones.
The suggestion to drop the expansion plan is one of 13 recommendations the National Health Office is considering making to the government by the end of this month. The recommendations originate from Rayong residents and are divided into sections related to health, the environment and social issues.
The National Health Office will tell the government to review its plan to expand Rayong's industrial zone because it overlaps with residential and agricultural areas. The government should allow for a buffer zone that will protect villagers from harmful emissions.
Other recommendations are that the government issue a public policy to promote residents' health and set up a committee to oversee development in a way that is friendly to the environment, health and society.
The Department of Water Resources, the Department of Irrigation, and the East Water company should improve water management to prevent shortages in local areas. An environment tax should be imposed in these areas. Most important would be suspending the plan to expand the industrial zone in the Map Ta Phut and Bang Chang areas.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/07/08/national/national_30077556.php
By Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation
Published on July 8, 2008
The National Health Office is to ask the government to suspend plans to expand the industrial zone in Map Ta Phut over concerns for the quality of life and well-being of residents.
The National Health Office's secretary-general, Dr Amphon Jindawattan says Map Ta Phut's residents have suffered for several years from pollution released by more than 1,752 factories surrounding their village. This was the result of wrongful development of the Eastern Seaboard project, which was introduced 47 years ago. Now the government is considering expanding the industrial zone, which would destroy residential and agricultural zones.
The suggestion to drop the expansion plan is one of 13 recommendations the National Health Office is considering making to the government by the end of this month. The recommendations originate from Rayong residents and are divided into sections related to health, the environment and social issues.
The National Health Office will tell the government to review its plan to expand Rayong's industrial zone because it overlaps with residential and agricultural areas. The government should allow for a buffer zone that will protect villagers from harmful emissions.
Other recommendations are that the government issue a public policy to promote residents' health and set up a committee to oversee development in a way that is friendly to the environment, health and society.
The Department of Water Resources, the Department of Irrigation, and the East Water company should improve water management to prevent shortages in local areas. An environment tax should be imposed in these areas. Most important would be suspending the plan to expand the industrial zone in the Map Ta Phut and Bang Chang areas.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/07/08/national/national_30077556.php