The development of two controversial water diversion projects would comply with an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study requirements, the government insists. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya said yesterday the government wants to study the prospects of diverting water from rivers forming a border line with neighbouring countries. He said the projects required a precise plan to ensure they would bring benefits to the country with minimal impact on the environment and local communities. He said the ministry will follow all legal procedures, including an EIA study. He was responding to concerns voiced by environmental activists and residents that the projects would bypass an EIA study as the government moves to tackle the severe drought.