Major Laos dam project sparks fears for environment and local heritage The construction of a major new dam on the Mekong River in Laos is causing widespread concern. The small country of 7.5 million inhabitants aspires to become the leading low-carbon energy producer in southeast Asia. Since the 2000s, some 80 hydroelectric power plants have been built along the Mekong and its tributaries. However, this new project threatens the former royal capital of Luang Prabang, currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our regional correspondents report.