Prime Minister Jeong: "Water Management Committee Reviews Geumgang and Yeongsangang Weir Operations... First Step Toward Restoring Naturalness"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun. / Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 18th, "The decision on the treatment plan for the five weirs installed on the Geum River and Yeongsan River is only the first step toward restoring the natural state of the two rivers."

He made these remarks at the '3rd National Water Management Committee' held at the Government Seoul Office. The committee reviews the treatment plans for the weirs installed on the Geum River and Yeongsan River. So far, local governments have opposed the dismantling of the weirs, while environmental groups have welcomed it.

Prime Minister Chung explained, "Since 2017, the government has been opening the sluice gates of several weirs to closely observe changes in water quality and ecosystems," adding, "As a result, green algae has decreased, sandbars have increased, and habitats for various flora and fauna have been restored."

He continued, "In 2019, the '4 Major Rivers Investigation and Evaluation Planning Committee' initially presented treatment plans for each weir, and thereafter, the Geum River and Yeongsan River Basin Water Management Committee, consisting of experts, civil society, and local governments, collectively proposed treatment alternatives for the five weirs."

He emphasized, "The treatment plan for the weirs must be decided to balance the restoration of the river's natural state and the water usage desired by residents," and added, "To fully restore the river's naturalness, it is necessary to confirm the environmental improvement effects of opening the weirs through sufficient monitoring while gaining public understanding and consensus."

Prime Minister Chung urged, "Today's decision by the committee is only the first step toward restoring the natural state of the Geum River and Yeongsan River," and said, "The more important task is for local communities, experts, and the central government to work together to prepare and implement concrete action plans according to the treatment direction decided today."