Nantou Incinerator EIA Controversy Escalates: Meeting Scheduled During Local Goddess Procession Draws Backlash
Nantou County Government's environmental impact assessment meeting for a proposed incinerator in Mingjian Township was disrupted by physical clashes. Protesters accused the government of deliberately scheduling the meeting during a major local religious festival to prevent resident participation.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 16:56
- 🔍 Collected: April 27, 2026 at 17:01 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 02:39 (9h 37m after Collected)
Nantou County Government held a scoping meeting for the second-stage environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the proposed Nantou County Waste Treatment and Renewable Energy Center in Mingjian Township on the 27th. However, the timing of the meeting sparked a major controversy as it coincided with the 'Zhuoshui Ma' goddess procession, a significant local religious event.
Before the meeting, the 'Anti-Incinerator Self-Help Group' and various environmental organizations held a press conference, burning incense to pray for the goddess's protection against the construction. During the meeting, attendees questioned why the county government held six meetings in one month and specifically chose the day of the local festival, suggesting a lack of sincerity in communication.
Clashes occurred between protesters and police when the former attempted to force officials to apologize to the goddess. The meeting was eventually adjourned prematurely due to the chaos. Nantou County currently lacks its own incinerator and relies on other counties for waste disposal, making the project a high-priority yet highly contentious issue for the administration.
Before the meeting, the 'Anti-Incinerator Self-Help Group' and various environmental organizations held a press conference, burning incense to pray for the goddess's protection against the construction. During the meeting, attendees questioned why the county government held six meetings in one month and specifically chose the day of the local festival, suggesting a lack of sincerity in communication.
Clashes occurred between protesters and police when the former attempted to force officials to apologize to the goddess. The meeting was eventually adjourned prematurely due to the chaos. Nantou County currently lacks its own incinerator and relies on other counties for waste disposal, making the project a high-priority yet highly contentious issue for the administration.