“The Irrawaddy River”

                                        “The Irrawaddy River”    

                       

           I listened to the Htoo Ei Thin’s song on the Irrawaddy River. To me, she seems that she seems that she has many historical events relating to her. I name her “The life-blood of Myanmar”. So many people are relying on her for their livelihood’s necessities such as foods, water and movements too. In Myanmar transportation has not developed well especially in rural area 80% of Myanmar population is residing. Many villages in these rural areas depend on river as a main transportation route because of accessibility and affordability. Some villages have no alternative but water ways only.

         I live and grew up in Pyay(Prome) which situated in the lower part of Myanmar. About 5 years ago, many towns in upper Myanmar were flooded and destroyed by the natural disaster. Many villages were submerged.People tried to make embankment to prevent flooding. My native town is next to the Irrawaddy River. During one of those days, people saw a hut floated in the river carrying a child on it. By the time it reached to the bank of river. People learn that the child was already dead. When I heard that I felt morose and sad. Since then, I never want to see such tragic events again.

           She flows through the middle of Myanmar. I realized that most of the people are depending on her for their basic needs. So many bridges were built across her. Nowadays, transportation system is developed more than before, but water directions become change and water level also low except in the raining season. As a result, many villages moved to other place to settle their lives because of water directions change.

          Almost every town throws dirty water into her according to bad drainage and sewage system. The water becomes dirty and plastic bags are floating over her. The filter system should be implemented step by step and after that let these water go into her. If we will go ahead with current situation, we will surely face environmental problems in the future.

       If there were no Irrawaddy River in future, many people will face foods, accommodation and economic problems because she is one of the main resources of Myanmar. To be candid with you, I never think that the Irrawaddy will be disappearing in future, but we should safeguard her together.