Tibetan Activist Tsowo Tsering Urges China to Address Illegal Sand Mining in Tsaruma
On October 15, Tsowo Tsering, a young Tibetan activist from Tsaruma, raised concerns about the environmental damage caused by illegal sand mining in his hometown. In a video message, he appealed to the central Chinese government to restore the river ecosystem affected by these activities. The video, which has since been removed, showed drone footage of large open pits created by sand mining.
Tsowo’s message highlights the growing awareness among young Tibetans about China’s environmental laws and their applicability in Tibet, known as the Water Tower of Asia. He called on the Discipline Inspection Commission of the Chinese Communist Party to take action, warning that the low cost of violating the law threatens the housing infrastructure of Tsaruma pastoralists, the biodiversity of the region, and the water security of the Machu and Drichu Rivers.
Tsaruma River, a tributary in the township of the same name, feeds into the Machu (Yellow) and Drichu (Yangtse) Rivers, which flow into mainland China. Tsowo emphasized the severe ecological consequences since mining began in May 2023, including soil erosion and pollution that endanger local residences and the river ecosystem.
Despite the Ecological Protection Bureau of Chungchu County confirming the illegal activities and imposing penalties, no effective restoration measures have been taken. Tsowo criticized the Chinese government for ignoring local villagers’ petitions and called for investigations into potential collusion between local authorities and mining companies.
Tibet faces numerous environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, water resource depletion, and soil erosion, driven by climate change, resource overexploitation, and human activities.
Doubts Revealed
Tibetan Activist -: A Tibetan activist is someone from Tibet who works to bring attention to issues affecting their community and environment. They often speak out against injustices and try to make positive changes.
Tsowo Tsering -: Tsowo Tsering is a person from Tibet who is working to protect the environment and the rights of local people. He is speaking out against harmful activities like illegal sand mining.
Illegal Sand Mining -: Illegal sand mining is when people take sand from places like rivers or beaches without permission. This can harm the environment by causing problems like soil erosion and pollution.
Tsaruma -: Tsaruma is a place in Tibet where illegal sand mining is happening. It is important because the mining is damaging the environment there.
Ecological Consequences -: Ecological consequences are the negative effects on the environment, like damage to plants, animals, and the land. In this case, it includes soil erosion and pollution.
Soil Erosion -: Soil erosion is when the top layer of soil is worn away by wind or water. This can happen more easily when sand is removed illegally, making it hard for plants to grow.
Pollution -: Pollution is when harmful substances are added to the environment, making it dirty or unsafe. Illegal mining can cause pollution by releasing dust and chemicals into the air and water.
Collusion -: Collusion is when people secretly work together to do something wrong or illegal. In this case, it might mean local authorities and mining companies are working together to allow illegal mining.
