Irrawaddy, the elegant beauty and lifeblood of Myanmar

Irrawaddy is the longest river in Myanmar. It comes from the joint of two rivers named Mai ka & Mali ka in Kachin State and flows from north to south along the country. It comes across so many beautiful and grand places like Myitsone, Pyay, Bagan etc. Irrawaddy has become a major transportation system to rebel British invasion within World War II. Moreover, it has been a witness of our country tragedy when King Thibaw was sent to exile after British took over Myanmar in 1885.
Our ancestors utilized Irrawaddy’s current and tide in many other ways. The huge logs and bamboos from upper Myanmar are transported from north to south by floating in Irrawaddy. Famous glazed clay pots from Monywa are carried by Irrawaddy’s current from south to north. Many goods are transported and exchanged via Irrawaddy across the regions of Myanmar.
In past, people who live near Irrawaddy river bank did not need to worry about foods because there are many live stocks in it. They could easily catch fresh water fishes and crabs for their meals. Their plantations could be laced with green vegetables with the help of fresh water from Irrawaddy.
Irrawaddy is a well-known and mighty river for people in Myanmar. It is also a precious gift from nature for Myanmar people and it can be honoured as lifeblood of Myanmar. As time goes by, Irrawaddy is still dutiful and generous to people in needs. However, greedy local and foreign business men and notorious military junta would like to destroy its beauty and existence. They are planning to build and operate seven dams along Irrawaddy. The biggest one will be located near Myitsone in Kachin State. First of all, construction of these dams will demolish natural beauty and ecology of Irrawaddy. Then, man-made reservoirs will block the waterway and it will affect the water level and currents of Irrawaddy across our country. There will be possibilities of natural disasters like flood and drought for people lived near Irrawaddy in future. Currently, those people endure the pains for their livings, foods and business because of forced relocation by government.
Our quiet, peaceful and generous Irrawaddy should be in long life and go on forever for our next generation. Saving Irrawaddy means to save people, nature and history of Myanmar.

Sandar
21.7.2011