JAPAN’S INFRASTRUCTURE Ministry is introducing an environmental impact assessment (EIA) programme that would allow inputs from affected residents to participate in the planning of flood control dams. The programme would be the government’s first attempt to introduce an EIA from the planning stages of a public project.

The Ministry expects to draw up necessary guidelines by September 2002, which will then be reflected in plans for future dam construction on large rivers, Ministry sources said.

A total of 109 major rivers are likely to be targeted for the environmental assessments, which will be carried out whenever construction plans are made or reviewed for the rivers.