Yamba Dam construction site (August 1, 2012)

August 1, 2012, Naganohara, Japan - Not a single soul is seen in Kawarayu Onsen, once flourished hot spring near the Yamba Dam project site in Naganohara, Gunma Prefecture, some 132km northwest of Tokyo, on Wednesday, August 1, 2012. Once the project is completed, if it is completed, the dam will submerge an area of 316 hectares and require 422 households to relocate, and affect the lives of 1,100 residents, including those still live in the now defunct town. Japan's biggest dam construction project by value with direct national and local government expenditure exceeding 900 billion yen is currently frozen pending further action by the government. In 1947 the dam was planned for flood control and water for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and other uses to be completed by 2015. But, in line with changing social conditions in recent years, demand for water is trending downward and scientific doubts have been raised about the efficacy of the dam for flood control. In September 2009, the Democratic Party of Japan announced the cancellation of the dam construction, keeping to their campaign promise for the 2009 general election. However, discussions with local residents and leaders are still ongoing, and relocation of residents who would be affected by the dam continues. (Photo by Natsuki Sakai/AFLO) AYF -mis-