China-Backed Hydro Dam Upsets Burma Locals

Construction workers' quarters at Myitsone Hydropower Dam project site where Irrawaddy river begins, Kachin State, Burma, March 31, 2012. (VOA - D. Schearf)

Riverside at Myitsone in Kachin State, Burma, March 31, 2012. (VOA - D. Schearf)

Signs warn relocated villagers not to return to old village or face prosecution according to law, Myitsone, Burma, March 31, 2012. (VOA - D. Schearf)

Aung Myin Thar relocation village near Myitsone Hydropower Dam project site, Kachin State, Burma, March 31, 2012. (VOA - D. Schearf)

U Jang Hkam (right) and family in Aung Myin Thar relocation village near Myitsone Dam Project, Myitsone, Burma, March 31, 2012. (VOA - D. Schearf)

Riverside restaurants and tourist boats at Myitsone where Irrawaddy river begins, Kachin State, Burma, March 31, 2012. (VOA - D. Schearf)

Riverside restaurants and boat tours at Myitsone where the Mali Hka and Mai Hka rivers form the Irawaddy River, March 31, 2012. (VOA - D. Schearf)

Buddhist Temple Pagoda at Myitsone, Burma, in Kachin State would be half submerged in water if hydropower dam project resumes, March 31, 2012. (VOA - D. Schearf)

Senior Monk U Yay Wa Ra says if the hydropower dam construction resumes they will have to move and authorities would build them a new temple, Myitsone, Burma, March 31, 2012. (VOA - D. Schearf)

Man repairing pagoda at Buddhist temple overlooking Myitsone, Burma, March 31, 2012. (VOA - D. Schearf)

Man walks past banner asking for peace in Kachin State where Burma Army and rebels are fighting, Myitsone, Burma, March 31, 2012. (VOA - D. Schearf)

Locals dredge the riverbed for gold at Myitsone, Burma, March 31, 2012. (VOA - D. Schearf)

Water buffalos at riverside in Myitsone, Burma, March 31, 2012. (VOA - D. Schearf)