Chindin River Basin Gold Mining to Find a Solution Between Detritus and Nature (News Article)

Columnist: Maung Lu Aye (Erawati Times, August 8) "It's best if you don't do it. But because of the current situation, we have to do it for sustenance," said Sarkhasha son Ko Ye Lin Myo, a gold float maker in the lower part of the Chindin River. Locals say that gold float mining along the Chindin River has increased significantly since the coup d'état. In the villages that previously relied mainly on agricultureGold mining has become a major source of income for some. The increase in gold mining in the Chindin River Basin has become a livelihood for some locals, but at the same time, changes in the river, Locals say that it causes the collapse of banks and the loss of agricultural land. Especially the livelihood of the local people. environmental damage; Climate change (Climate change) and how to solve the difficulties between armed conflict is seen as a challenge. In some areas of Monywa and Sagaing, rice, beans, They are mainly engaged in sesame and teak farming, but after the military coup in 2021, transportation, Commodity prices and agricultural product marketsBecause of the instability, the income of farmers has decreased. As a person who worked in the gold industry in Shwe Kube, when he returned to his hometown, agriculture and transportation became difficult, so he returned to gold digging work.In the show industry, he earns around 4 to 5 gold per day, fuel, oil, etc. He said that if the mercury and business expenses are deducted, the situation can only support the family's livelihood. Locals are involved in gold mining activities themselves, but most of them have high equipment costs, so only those with capital can do it. Those who can operate the Shwe N'o Raft have more than 300,000,000 kyatsAccording to the locals and officials, they have to invest. Changing the River To mine for gold in the Chindung River, monopolists use small diesel engines called "one punch machines". With these machines, the sand and silt at the bottom of the river are pumped; By pushing the banks with water pressure and destroying the soil, they are goldenThey dig for gold from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and use about 7 gallons of diesel per day. In the large gold floats, they use up to one foot of diesel per day. According to local residents, the river is gradually changing due to these operations, and the soil on the banks is softening. Water currents are moving towards the villages.A resident said, "The river has narrowed. The water is not as clean as it used to be. Those who do not have fresh water have to boil and drink the river water." In addition, not being able to water in agricultural activities; He said that there were damages due to not being allowed to harvestEven when it's good, there are things you can't beat. As the water is unstable, it becomes difficult to do agriculture," he said. Some local residents and officials say that due to gold mining in the Chin Din River, the river is shrinking, water polluted, and banks collapsing. The National Unity Government (NUG) and Ko Min Zaw from the Natural Resources Department of Chaung U Township have officially granted permission for gold mining in the township.He said that he had not done so. Before the seizure of power, there was no permit, and currently they are working without permission. "These types of activities may cause water pollution and landslides. But there is no systematic monitoring yet, and they are trying to do it," Ko Min Zaw continued.It is reported that only maintenance is being carried out and there are no long-term conservation plans. The Chindin River used to be crystal clear throughout the year, but now the color of the water has changed and the pollution is becoming apparent, local residents said.In some villages, the entire village has been moved. An official from the People's Defense Force (PKAF) in Chaung U Township also said that the water flow is unstable and it is affecting the agricultural lands and villages.In the past, it was mainly engaged in agriculture and breeding, but in the current situation, the sea is unstable, Due to the loss of agricultural land and insufficient income, they have become dependent on gold mining. However, a common point of view among residents and officials is that prohibition alone is not enough, systematic control, The need for local participation and long-term livelihoodsThe Chindin River is the local people's agriculture, A major lifeline that supports all transportation and livelihoods, today it is in a state of instability between socio-economic needs and environmental damage. 14 people from Monywa and Chaung U Township were forced to testify along with witnessesChong U Township PKAFA has asked to stop the activities. "It is a place for agriculture and livestock. In the past, when roads and security were good, they did it. Now, the locals are encouraging them to replace agriculture and livestock," said an official from PKAFA in Chong U Township.However, after the increase of gold mining, cliff collapses occurred, and finally the entire village was moved. After the coup, more than 90 acres of teak farming land was lost, and the cliff collapse reached Shanaro. It became difficult for the locals to continue working in agriculture, which is the main source of income for the locals, causing a problem between the residents of Puna Maw village and the gold floaters.A resident of Pohnna Maw village said, "House after house collapsed and we had to move. We had to demolish this one house because it would destroy our own house. Finally, the whole village was moved. It has been more than two years now." Today, Pohnna Maw village