Protection from Flooding: Sandbar dredging works commenced in Myitkyina

As Myitkyina in Kachin State is prone to flooding and inundation caused by the annual rise of the Ayeyawady River during the rainy season, the State Government has identified river improvement works as one of its key projects to protect the city from flooding. Accordingly, a ceremony to mark the commencement of sandbar dredging works beneath the Balaminhtin Bridge, aimed at straightening the river channel and improving water flow, was held at 8:00 a.m. on 15 January at the sandbank concerned.

In order to initiate the dredging works, the Kachin State Chief Minister U Khet Htein Nan, explained that on 1 July 2024 the river level rose to 1,406 centimeters, resulting in flooding of approximately 40 percent of the city. Therefore, to prevent similar high water levels in the future, dredging and clearing sandbars within the Ayeyawady River would help straighten the river channel, improve water flow, and protect the city from flooding. He also expressed his appreciation to the business operators for their cooperation in line with the objective of flood prevention and urged all stakeholders to work together in a coordinated manner to protect the city from flooding.

Subsequently, a business representative attending the ceremony discussed matters related to cooperation in carrying out the project, including points that needed clarification and measures to be taken to ensure that the works would not adversely affect the public or the environment.

Afterwards, the Chief Minister, members of the State Government, and relevant departmental officials toured and inspected the preparatory work being carried out with heavy machinery for the dredging and river-clearing operations to remove sandbar accumulations beneath the Balaminhtin Bridge. The Chief Minister then coordinated with the responsible officials to address necessary matters, it’s reported.