Those who oppose the project say dredging work and weir building can sever the lifelines of the rivers. However, excessive sediment buildup hinders water flow and threatens to wash away the habitat of living organisms. Dredging is like getting rid of cholesterol in the blood vessel. It gives water room to flow and helps prevent flooding.
Dredging opens up new space vertically, as the expansion of rivers widthwise is a very limited option, which could further damage the river ecosystem. Increased space would allow for more controlled water levels during the flooding season.
Although dredging may be of concern, a far more serious concern is climate change, and the possible effects of climate change on the river in its current state. If rivers are allowed to remain in their current state, they may look peaceful - for now. However, the world is suffering extreme drought, flooding, and other unanticipated natural disasters as a result of climate change. Some of these events cannot be entirely avoided, but their negative effects can be reduced through responsible planning and maintenance of natural resources, such as our rivers.
