Expanded to 'Dam Downstream Flood Damage Cause Investigation Council' with Joint Participation of Related Ministries
Comprehensive Investigation of Flood Causes through Specialized Agencies → Serving Advisory Role
Five Dams Under Investigation... Composed of Experts Recommended by Government and Local Governments, and Resident Representatives
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Dam Management Investigation Committee, launched last month, will be expanded and reorganized into the 'Dam Downstream Flood Damage Cause Investigation Council.' This is to investigate the overall causes of flood damage during the recent heavy rains and to expand opportunities for resident participation.
The Ministry of Environment announced on the 23rd that the Dam Management Investigation Committee, launched on the 18th of last month, will be reorganized into the Dam Downstream Flood Damage Cause Investigation Council, jointly participated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
During the recent National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee audit, there were criticisms that the existing Dam Management Investigation Committee was composed of pro-government figures, losing fairness and objectivity, and concerns were raised that the Ministry of Environment might conduct a 'self-investigation' to avoid responsibility.
The existing investigation committee, led by the Ministry of Environment, focused on investigating and analyzing whether dam discharge during the heavy rains in August was appropriate. Through this reorganization, the system will change to comprehensively investigate the overall causes of flood damage through professional agency investigation services.
The Investigation Council will play an advisory role throughout the entire process of the commissioned investigation to ensure objective and fair investigation.
Additionally, the Investigation Council will consist of resident representatives, government, and local governments for five dams across three regions: Seomjingang Dam, Yongdam Dam and Daecheong Dam, Hapcheon Dam and Namgang Dam.
The Ministry of Environment stated that in response to demands to involve local residents in the flood damage cause investigation, it prepared the reorganization plan within the scope that does not compromise the neutrality of the cause investigation through regional meetings.
During the consultation process, it was agreed to form an investigation council with government-recommended experts, local government-recommended experts, and resident representatives to advise during the commissioned investigation process.
Kim Dong-jin, Director of the Water Resources Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Environment, said, "According to the reorganization plan, by promoting a joint investigation service with related ministries on the overall causes of flood damage, comprehensive analysis and countermeasure preparation will be possible, and fairness and objectivity of the investigation results will be secured."
He added, "By actively incorporating residents' opinions, it is expected that local acceptance of the investigation results will also be secured."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
