A mechanism should be established for the free expression of public opinions in the government's decision-making, says a signed article in the Shanghai-based Youth Daily. An excerpt follows:

A company in Dujiangyan city of southwest China's Sichuan Province is preparing to construct a hydropower station on the Baitiaohe River. It also plans to build some tourist facilities and sightseeing projects along the river.

The news of building a hydropower station has aroused much public attention since Baitiaohe River is a major water supplier for Chengdu, capital city of the province. A related scientific research institution has carried out a special survey to collect public opinions and experts' suggestions.

Most of the surveyed think that the construction of a hydropower station will raise the river bed and lower the current velocity, which will reduce the river's self-purification capacity and lead to poor water quality. The planned tourist facilities will cause serious pollution. And to increase the head drop artificially will leave much hidden risks for flood control work in the future. Therefore, such projects will be built at the price of ruining the water network and ecological environment in the Chengdu plain.

But the environmental assessment report provided by the company itself gives totally different opinions. It says the project will improve the water quality, ensure the irrigation supply and bring little impact on the environment.

Different interest groups have different views and stands. But whose opinion is more important on the construction of an important project that concerns public interests? Only collective appeal based on scientific considerations will conform with public interest.

An independent academic organization is needed to interfere in decision-making activities that concern public interests. Fortunately, a gathering for free and cordial conversation was held on the Baitiaohe River development project. Views and suggestions from resident representatives, government officials and experts were collected and then submitted to decision-makers for their reference.

Such a mechanism for the expression of public opinions in the making of decisions that concern public interest is very necessary. The government, intellectuals and the public should all work together for its establishment and improvement.

(China Daily May 8, 2006)