Environmentalists’ objections convince Shan parliament to reconsider building site
The speaker of the Shan State legislature has pledged to reconsider the location for the construction of a new regional parliamentary building after environmental activists voiced objections to the proposed site in the state capital of Taunggyi. Those in opposition to the plan launched a signature campaign over the course of the last week to stop the new structure from being built, as more than 80 trees are slated to be cut down to make way for the building. “We are not objecting to the construction of a new parliament. We only reject the proposed venue, as it will have a lot of impact on the local ecology. We won’t stop them if their next location doesn’t have as much impact on the environment,” said Cherry Kyaw, adding that during the meeting with Sai Loon Seng, the speaker had asked for their input regarding an alternative location.
