Friday 5 November 2010

Brazilian government gives the go-ahead for huge Amazon dam

The proposal to build a hydro-electric dam on the Xingu river, a tributary of the Amazon in the northern state of Para, has long been a source of controversy. The project was originally abandoned in the 1990s following widespread protests both in Brazil and around the world.

Environmental groups say the 6km-long (3.75-mile) long dam will threaten the survival of indigenous groups, and the lives of up to 50,000 people could be affected as 500 sq km (190 sq miles) of land would be flooded.

If it goes ahead it will become the world's third biggest hydroelectric dam.

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