Irrawaddy River will be damaged by a dam constructed on Irrawaddy River confluence
Despite complaints of local residents, hydro-power projects jointly operated by the SPDC and Chinese government on the confluence of the Maykha and Malikha rivers, tributaries of the Irrawaddy River, has begun.
Building a dam on the confluence will badly affect towns and villages located up stream of the river due to change of river stream and lower water level, causing difficulties in transportation. Ships and boats cannot land harbor at Bhamo Town but at a place in the downstream far from the harbor.
Volume of the river water will become reduced this summer causing the downstream more problematic.
The dam being built on the confluence will also damage the environment and livelihood of local residents. The problem is not only concerned with local residents in Kachin State but it also becomes a great challenge for the people living on the bank of Irrawaddy River. It becomes an issue for people relying on Irrawaddy River.
Environmental activists urge to maintain the environment of Irrawaddy River from the confluence to the estuary.