Central News Agency (CNA, Reporter Chang Chi, Taitung County, July 1) Several environmental protection groups held a press conference at the Legislative Yuan today, accusing the Taitung County Government's drainage project of violating its plans and cutting off the water source for "Zhiben Wetland," leading to its drying up. The Taitung County Government responded that the wetland's changes are due to natural evolution, not engineering. The Taitung County Government stated that the "Zhiben Wetland" referred to by the environmental groups is located downstream of the Shemagan area drainage, which has been affected by long-term siltation from upstream wild streams, causing drainage difficulties. It only forms a temporary water accumulation area during typhoons and heavy rainfall. The county government indicated that through continuous observation, "Zhiben Wetland" has experienced land elevation changes and altered water channels due to years of silt accumulation, coupled with a lack of stable water replenishment. The current landform and hydrological environment are the result of long-term natural evolution. To address the flooding issues affecting approximately 20 hectares of surrounding farmland, the Taitung County Government initiated the Shemagan Area Drainage Improvement Project. The county government explained that considering the wetland's high biodiversity, multiple local explanation sessions and coordination meetings were held during the project, inviting local residents, tribal communities, and environmental groups to participate in discussions regarding the drainage plan to the sea. The county government stated that the project avoided the core area of the wetland and adopted methods such as directing floodwaters to the sea and constructing lateral earth dikes for diversion. The downstream section involved excavating earth channels to guide rainwater runoff, which the wetland could not bear, into the sea. The drainage route was established north of the wetl