What Is Happening to the Water and Fish Resources of the Chindwin River?

By Tar Pa Lu

The Chindwin River is one of Myanmar’s most important rivers. It is the largest tributary of the Ayeyarwady River and stretches about 750 miles (approximately 1,200 kilometers) in length.

The river flows through several towns in Sagaing Region, including Hkamti, Homalin, Phaungpyin, Mawlaik, Kalewa, Mingin, Kani, and Monywa.

Eventually, it joins the Ayeyarwady River near Yesagyo Township, across from Myingyan and near Pakokku, where the river’s journey ends.

For generations, people have depended on the Chindwin River for agriculture and fisheries, relying on fishing in the river as a source of household income and livelihood.

About two years after the military coup, a local woman tearfully described in a video how her home had been burned down.

“My husband and I built this house with the money we earned from fishing in the river. We worked in the river day after day and saved that money. We were able to send our children to school and build this house. But now, everything we saved for over 20 years has turned to ashes,”
she said while searching through the remains of her burned home, hoping that something might still be left.

Her story reflects how the Chindwin River once supported families, enabling them to build homes and educate their children. Now, however, more than two decades of savings and hard work have been destroyed after their homes were burned by the military.

A person who conducted field observations along the Chindwin River in February 2026 said the river now appears to be shrinking. “The Chindwin River is starting to look like a small stream,” the observer said.

During the dry season, the river’s water level has dropped significantly, which the observer described with concern. Due to security risks, researchers were unable to access all areas along the river.

Along the Chindwin River, particularly in Sagaing Region, there are areas where local resistance groups known as the People’s Defence Forces (PDF) are active.

It is difficult to determine the exact number of these groups. The region is widely considered one of the strongholds of the resistance movement, where various organizations operate in different forms and structures.

Across at least ten townships along the Chindwin River, it is estimated that hundreds of resistance units and smaller armed groups may be present.

Areas such as Monywa, Yinmabin, Kani, and Mingin are believed to have the highest concentration of resistance groups and activities, according to members of local defense forces.

Meanwhile, military vessels regularly travel up and down the Chindwin River, and clashes between military forces and resistance fighters occasionally occur along the river.

Today, the water resources and environmental conditions along the Chindwin River are facing serious challenges.

Criticism has emerged over the environmental damage caused by gold mining activities.

Local residents say that from the upper reaches of the river in Homalin and Hkamti down to the lower parts, large-scale and often unregulated gold mining operations are taking place.

Using floating dredges and heavy machinery, miners excavate the riverbed, which many believe is causing the river to become shallower and altering its natural flow.

There are also concerns that such unregulated mining could lead to riverbank erosion and collapse.

One of the most serious problems raised by critics is mercury and chemical pollution.

Mercury used in gold extraction is often released directly into the river. Over time, this toxic substance accumulates in the bodies of aquatic animals. When people consume these fish, it may pose long-term health risks.

For this reason, environmental observers warn that mercury contamination is becoming a major threat to the river’s ecosystem.

In an effort to prevent environmental damage and protect the ecosystem, the National Unity Government (NUG), through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration and the Kani Township Emergency Administration Team, issued an announcement on February 10, 2026, calling for restrictions on gold dredging activities along the Chindwin River.

A local official from the Kani Township Emergency Administration’s information department explained:

“Gold mining operations in our township increased after the military coup. In the upper parts of the Chindwin, mining had already been happening for some time. Our intention is to take preventive measures so that river resources and ecosystems are not destroyed.”

The statement further warned that if gold dredging continues along the Chindwin River in Kani Township, villages located along the riverbanks may face serious risks of erosion and collapse. It could also disrupt river transport for travelers and traders while worsening environmental pollution and ecological damage.

Authorities therefore announced that gold dredging is prohibited within the Chindwin River and within 150 feet on both sides of the riverbanks in Kani Township. Those found violating the restrictions will face legal action.

Researchers who visited the river also noted that the water is no longer as clear as it once was, appearing constantly murky due to sediment and chemical pollution.

They also raised concerns that local fish species, which were once abundant, may now be declining, due to water pollution, noise from mining operations, and unsustainable fishing practices.

During the period of the civilian government, there had been plans to establish fish conservation zones in parts of the upper Chindwin River to protect fish populations.

Three areas were proposed: Linpha village and Padumone village in Hkamti Township, and Htwet Wa village in Homalin Township.

The plan involved studying river conditions and introducing community-led conservation approaches inspired by international examples. Villages interested in participating would designate sections of the river—approximately 1,000 to 2,000 feet long—as fish sanctuary zones, where fishing would be prohibited.

Fish fry would be released in these areas, and conservationists believed that within five years, fish populations could significantly recover.

However, due to the ongoing conflict along the Chindwin River, it has become extremely difficult for environmental organizations and researchers to conduct fieldwork or implement long-term conservation projects.

In particular, preventing illegal extraction of natural resources has become increasingly challenging.

The Chindwin River is not only a vital lifeline for Myanmar but also a region rich in biodiversity. Today, however, there are growing concerns that gold mining and logging activities are significantly damaging the river’s water resources and fish populations.