Tibetan activist expresses concern over China’s illegal sand mining, calls for restoration of river ecosystem

Tsovo Tsering, a Tibetan activist from Tsaruma, expressed concern over the environmental damage caused by China’s illegal sand mining and called for the restoration of the river ecosystem.

On October 15, Tsovo Tsering, a 20-year-old Tibetan man, shared a video message on his/her social media account to reach out to the central Chinese government. The video, which has now been removed, shows drone footage of several huge open pits caused by sand mining along the river banks of his/her hometown Tsaruma and is accompanied by a series of appeals to the central government, Tibet Watch reports. ends.

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

he/she warned that the “low cost of violating the law” not only destabilizes the foundations of the Saruma herders’ habitat infrastructure, but also jeopardizes the biodiversity of the surrounding area, and the water security of the Machu and Drichu rivers. Increases.

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

Delivering his/her message in Chinese, Tsovo stressed the serious ecological consequences that could arise if mining activities begin in May 2023. he/she highlighted the alarming levels of soil erosion and pollution that threaten not only local habitats but also the integrity of the river ecosystem.

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

Tibet Watch reports that numerous complaints and photographic evidence submitted to various government agencies have been silenced, underscoring a systemic disregard for local voices and environmental protection measures.

Frustrated by the ineffectiveness of the petition system, Tsovo urged the central government to respect its own environmental protection commitments, embodied in the principle that “clear waters and lush green mountains are priceless assets.”

he/she called for a thorough investigation of both ecological destruction and possible collusion between local authorities and mining enterprises, suggesting a troubling partnership that undermines community welfare.

Tibet faces myriad environmental challenges, primarily driven by climate change, over-exploitation of resources, and human activities. As Tibet Watch reports, 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.

Water resource depletion remains a major concern, as overexploitation and pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff threaten both ecosystems and human health. Additionally, soil erosion and desertification, driven by unsustainable grazing practices and deforestation, are reducing land productivity.