11 Jan
Soil, air, and water pollution are hitting countries across the world hard. A study by the US National Institute of Health cautions that oil spills may pose health risks for clean-up personnel as well as those living along the coast affected by the spill. Oil spillage is a major cause of river water pollution in Myanmar.
Oil spills can pollute streams and rivers and have a devastating effect on the environment as the oil spreads over the surface in a thin layer that stops oxygen from reaching plants and animals that live in the water.
They harm insects and animals such as periwinkles, crabs, and crayfish; prevent photosynthesis in plants; disrupt the food chain; and, take a long time to recover from or remediate. Animals as such are particularly vulnerable.
Besides, fishing which is a traditional occupation and source of income can be affected by oil spills. Many affected residents, especially in the worst-affected areas, have not recovered from the loss of livelihood on account of crude oil spills.
To prevent the possible disasters caused by water pollution, the Ministry of Transport and Communications has drafted a project plan for responding to water pollution.
The project plan would be submitted to the National Disaster Management Committee for approval.
According to the project plan, oil spill is the main cause of water pollution. Loading and unloading of oil along rivers and accidents in rivers mainly result in water pollution.
Water pollution affects birds and marine creatures, infrastructure, and mangrove forests in coastal areas. It also threatens water transportation and the fishery sector.
Hence, a project plan for water pollution is sine qua non. According to the ministry, the project plan has been jointly drafted by a National Task Force comprising local and foreign experts.
The project plan has two parts: strategy project and response project. The ministry has sought suggestions from the NDMC’s rescue work committee and the transportation and communications work committee for tackling water pollution.
The suggestions from the two committees would be incorporated into the draft of the project plan before it is submitted to the NDMC.
With the project plan, we hope that public policies which will protect water resources, and which especially focus on pollution from industrial and oil spills, will curb river water pollution effectively.
All stakeholders in the industries are urged to innovate and create sustainable ways of doing business that do not negatively impact the environment.
