Residents of Chiang Rai are gearing up for a significant rally on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day, to bring attention to the critical environmental crisis affecting their rivers. Local communities, advocacy groups, and academics have united for a demonstration titled “Poy Luang to Close Wa Mines,” aimed at calling for urgent intervention from leaders in Thailand, Myanmar, China, and the United Wa State Army regarding serious pollution stemming from mining activities in Myanmar’s Shan State.

The Kok, Sai, and Ruak rivers, vital waterways for the province, have become conduits of pollution due to rampant mining runoff. Officials and researchers have consistently detected alarming levels of arsenic and other hazardous chemicals in these water sources, with the contamination now threatening the broader Mekong River and impacting the Golden Triangle region. Somkiat Khuanchiangsa, president of the Living River Siam Association, remarked, “The rivers are dying, and with them, people’s way of life.”

The demonstration will commence at Mae Fah Luang Park, where participants from various religious and local ethnic backgrounds will engage in ceremonies before marching over the Mae Fah Luang Bridge to the provincial government office. They plan to submit formal petitions to leaders, including the Thai Prime Minister and Myanmar's military chief, demanding accountability and immediate action against the mining practices that have decimated their rivers.

This grassroots movement reflects widespread concern among citizens and local leaders regarding the deteriorating water quality and its implications for public health. The Chiang Rai provincial government has responded with a ban on the consumption of water from the Kok and Sai rivers, but enforcement remains a challenge in rural communities. As Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai proposes the construction of a dam on the Kok River to manage contaminated sediment, diplomatic talks scheduled for June are anticipated to address the cross-border pollution issue.

Despite these measures, the situation remains dire. Activists warn that the involvement of Chinese investors and the operations of the United Wa State Army complicate efforts to mitigate environmental damage. The complexity of political dynamics in Myanmar—exacerbated by ongoing instability—poses significant hurdles to effective cooperation and swift resolutions.

Local experts have noted that over 300 mining projects have been operational since 2021, exacerbating concerns about heavy metal pollution, which includes not just arsenic but also other toxic substances that can lead to severe health issues for the affected populations. Calls have emerged for regular health assessments and a monitoring centre to continuously evaluate water quality.

As the rally approaches, the urgency for cross-border collaboration becomes increasingly evident, underscoring the need for all implicated parties to acknowledge their responsibility in confronting this growing environmental crisis. The local community's determination to advocate for their river systems will be crucial as they strive to reclaim their environment and safeguard their livelihoods for generations to come.

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Source: Noah Wire Services