Water Resources Committee: Nat’l Level Water Resources Committee held meeting

“The hydropower potential that can be generated from the rivers and streams in the country is estimated to exceed 100,000 megawatts, according to studies. However, the currently installed and producible hydropower capacity is only about 3,500 megawatts, meaning only around 3.5 percent of the potential is being utilized.

Therefore, efforts must be made to attract more investment in hydropower development, which is a renewable energy source that can be effectively and efficiently utilized,” stated Chairman of the National Level Water Resources Committee and President U Min Aung Hlaing during the National Level Committee meeting held Tuesday afternoon at the President’s Office Meeting Hall.

In his opening remarks as Chairman of the National Level Water Resources Committee, the President said that the committee was restructured under his chairmanship on April 20, 2026, in order to effectively utilize the country’s water resources, implement comprehensive nationwide water management, support water sector development, and enhance cooperation in regional and international water-related sectors.

The President noted that the National Level Water Resources Committee is carrying out 12 assigned functions and has been able to organize meaningful and extensive activities annually, including commemorations and thematic discussions for World Water Day, which falls on March 22.

He further stated that water is one of the most essential natural resources for human beings and is directly connected to all aspects of social life. Therefore, conserving water resources, which are being depleted and degraded due to the impacts of climate change, is crucial for long-term sustainable development. He also emphasized that developing countries like Myanmar are likely to experience more severe impacts of climate change than others and must therefore plan ahead for adaptation and resilience.

Following this, the Vice Chairman of the National Level Water Resources Committee explained the formation, objectives, and implementation of the committee’s assigned tasks. The Committee Secretary also reported on water-related activities, water supply implementation efforts, and future work plans.

Afterward, Union ministers, the Chairman of the Nay Pyi Taw Council and officials, region and state chief ministers, and mayors discussed their respective water-related activities, ongoing development efforts in the water sector, and related requirements. In response to the discussions, the President provided additional remarks, after which the Vice Chairman of the committee presented explanations on the systematic use of water resources and disaster prevention measures. Finally, the Chairman of the National Level Water Resources Committee President delivered the closing remarks, it’s reported.