Environmental Protection Policies Ineffective, Leading to Daily Environmental Degradation in Kachin State

Pajau Media

June 5, 2025

In Kachin State, the lack of effective environmental conservation policies has resulted in daily environmental degradation, according to a statement released by the Kachin Environmental Protection and Conservation Committee on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day.

In the 21st century, the natural environment has reached an extremely dire state, with the regions where people reside now under constant threat of natural disasters.

Due to the ineffectiveness of existing environmental protection laws, excessive logging, mining of rare earth minerals, and overexploitation of resources such as jade and gold have intensified. This has led to an increase in natural disasters, including floods, landslides, climate change, and deforestation, resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and destruction of homes and public infrastructure.

A local woman from the Myitsone area also stated that unchecked illegal gold and mineral mining operations within Kachin State are causing severe environmental damage.

The Kachin Environmental Group (KEG) warned that if proper environmental policies are not implemented and enforced in their region, the future could become even more precarious. They stressed the need for collaboration between domestic and international organizations and the public to restore a green environment and protect against natural disasters.

Additionally, World Environment Day is observed globally on this day each year. This year’s theme is "Fight Plastic Pollution, Topple the Dictatorship."

News – Htu Seng