새만금 기본계획 변경안 두고 환경단체 반발…“밀실 합의 철회·재논의해야”

Environmental groups have vehemently opposed a proposed revision to the Samneam-gim Basic Plan, demanding a reevaluation and withdrawal of the change. During a recent explanation event held at Gyeongsan City Hall on the 24th, it was criticized for inadequate preparation of materials. The Samneam-gim Recovery and Reconstruction Team called for the withdrawal and reevaluation of the Samneam-gim Basic Plan amendment, which was announced on the 20th by the Samneam-gim Development Office.

The team criticized the plan as a "failure of public participation disguised as a private-led initiative" and asserted that while the plan expands the industrial zone by 2.1 times compared to the current state, it lacks adequate measures to address the environmental issues arising from excessive landfills and development. They pointed out that the location of ecological areas was changed based solely on investment plans without proper judgment and standards for ecological conservation value and restorability.

The team also criticized the lack of sufficient measures for dealing with future disasters due to climate change and sea level rise in the plan. Despite attending the explanation meeting, the team found that the city office provided no separate materials and accused the city of proceeding without proper data presentation at the meeting.

The team expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that conducting a public explanation meeting without providing adequate data is not in line with its purpose. They urged the city office to provide accurate materials and ensure participation of expert panels to ensure a meaningful process of collecting public opinions.