Unlawful Dams and Unheeded Warnings: A Taiwan Farm Faces Penalties

A farm in Taiwan's Nantou County is fined for constructing unauthorized dams, sparking environmental concerns.

A farm in Puli, associated with Chung Yo Department Store, is facing significant penalties from the Nantou County government for constructing four unauthorized water dams. Despite being ordered to remove the dams and restore the site by the end of April, the farm has failed to comply.

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that a fine of NT$300,000 has been levied, with further fines to be imposed until the violations are rectified. The farm is developing a large hotel and recreation area, with a development area of 130 hectares, prompting concerns from local residents regarding environmental impact.

The local community has alleged that the farm has illegally cut down trees and constructed roads, alongside the unapproved water dams. This has raised concerns about the destruction of local ecosystems, the endangerment of the rare 'Taiwan White Fish' and potential depletion of underground water resources.