Representations of modernization and progress from publications on the construction of hydroelectric plants in the newspaper O Estado de Mato Grosso (1972-1974)

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to identify the socio-environmental impacts arising from Hydroelectric Power Plants (UHE) and Small Hydroelectric Plants (PCH) implemented in the rivers of Mato Grosso during the period from 1972 to 1979. To investigate the constructions and their respective impacts, The publications of the newspaper O Estado de Mato Grosso were taken as primary sources. During the research, it was found that no HPP or PCH was built during the period under analysis, which made it impossible to study the socio-environmental impacts arising from these hydroelectric projects. Thus, instead of what was initially proposed, we sought to analyze the contents of the periodical regarding hydroelectric planning and its relations with the propaganda logic of the military regime. Thus, these are representations of Mato Grosso's progress through modernizing actions, even if some of these actions have not materialized in practice. Furthermore, publications were found in O Estado de Mato Grosso that addressed problems related to predatory fishing in the state, which referred mainly to economic and socio-environmental losses. In this sense, it was considered important to gather sources that dealt with the “fish problem” in Mato Grosso during the 1970s and to study the socio-environmental impacts resulting from the promotion of industrial fishing by the military regime.