London (UK), October 22 (ANI): Tsowo Tsering, a Tibetan activist from Tsaruma, has expressed concern about the environmental damage caused by illegal sand mining in China and called for the restoration of river ecosystem.

Tsowo’s message is an example of young Tibetans’ growing knowledge that China has environmental laws and that they apply them in Tibet, the water tower of Asia. Showing understanding of China’s power structures, he calls for the Chinese Communist Party’s Commission for Discipline Inspection to be asked to take action.

He warned that “the low cost of violating the law” notably destabilizes the foundations of the Tsaruma herders’ housing infrastructure, but also threatens the biodiversity of the surrounding region and exacerbates the water security of the Machu and of the Drichu River.

The Tsaruma River is a tributary of the township of the same name. Small rivers in Tsaruma Township become tributaries of the Machu (Yellow) and Drichu (Yangtze) rivers, both of which flow into mainland China. Tsaruma Township (Ch: Chaerma) is located in Chungchu County (Ch: Hong yuan), Ngawa Tibet Autonomous Prefecture (Ch: Aba), Sichuan Province.

Delivering his message in Chinese, Tsowo highlighted the serious ecological consequences that have occurred since mining activities began in May 2023. He highlighted the alarming levels of soil erosion and pollution which are endangering not only local residences but also the integrity of the river ecosystem.

Reports indicate that Tsowo has condemned the Chinese government for its failure to engage with local villagers during the process of considering their petitions regarding mining activities. Although the Chungchu County Ecological Protection Bureau confirmed the illegal actions and imposed sanctions on the company, no effective restoration measures have been implemented.

Numerous complaints and photographic evidence submitted to various government agencies have been met with silence, highlighting a systemic disregard for local voices and environmental safeguards, Tibet Watch reported.

Frustrated by the ineffectiveness of the petition system, Tsowo implored central government to honor its own commitments to environmental protection, summed up in the principle that “clear waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” .

He called for thorough investigations into both ecological destruction and potential collusion between local authorities and mining companies, suggesting a troubling partnership that undermines community well-being.

Tibet faces a myriad of pressing environmental challenges, largely due to climate change, overexploitation of resources and human activities. Biodiversity is at risk, with habitat destruction from urbanization, agriculture and mining contributing to the decline of endemic species such as the Tibetan antelope and snow leopard, reported Tibet Watch.

Water resource depletion remains a major concern, as overexploitation and pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff compromise both ecosystems and human health. Additionally, soil erosion and desertification, fueled by unsustainable grazing practices and deforestation, continue to decrease land productivity. (ANI)

This report is automatically generated from the ANI news service. ThePrint assumes no responsibility for its content.