TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Environmental activists staged a protest outside Taichung City Government (台中市政府) offices Monday (Aug. 18), demanding immediate rejection of a controversial industrial development proposal. The coalition of environmental groups called for authorities to block the land conversion application for the Chi-Hsin Industrial Park (磯鑫產業園區) project in Shengang District (神岡區). The demonstration highlighted growing opposition to the proposed development on sensitive agricultural land.
The protesting organizations, including the Shengang Protection Alliance (守護神岡聯盟) and the Government Watch Association (監督施政聯盟), argued the project violates multiple environmental regulations while bypassing critical assessments. The proposed development would convert over 9 hectares of state-owned agricultural land for industrial use. Environmental advocates expressed particular alarm about the site's location on an active seismic fault line and in a flood-prone zone, deeming the area unsuitable for major development.
Taichung City Government officials announced plans to convene with the Urban Development Bureau Wednesday (Aug. 20) for comprehensive review. City authorities pledged thorough examination following legal procedures, asserting the development plan completed required cross-agency evaluations. Officials emphasized necessary approvals for land conversion, environmental assessments, and utilities were secured while promising transparent proceedings.
City officials addressed geological safety concerns by citing completed professional surveys and approved safety assessments for the proposed site. The municipal Water Resources Department (水利局) Taiwan's flood management agency has endorsed comprehensive flood mitigation strategies for the development area. Government representatives maintained that all technical evaluations demonstrate the project's environmental and structural viability despite activist opposition. ◼
