By Kantarawaddy Times
In western Dee Maw Hso Township, Karenni State, authorities stress the urgent need to collectively protect and preserve the Nansan Phu Creek water outlet to ensure its long-term use, according to Khu Thu Reh, Director of the Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation Department under the Interim Executive Council (IEC) of Karenni State.
“This Nansan Phu Creek flows into the Ngwe Taung Dam and serves as one of the most vital sources for agricultural activities in Karenni. We can say that it plays a key role in sustaining the region’s second-largest farming zone. That’s why the creek is of such critical importance,” said Khu Htu Reh.
The creek currently supplies water to more than 50,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and approximately 30 surrounding villages. Additionally, it supports irrigation for about 50,000 acres of farmland in Karenni State, mainly used for rice cultivation, along with seasonal crops such as corns and groundnuts.
Following an earthquake on March 28, the water level in Nansan Phu Creek significantly declined. Although the flow has started to recover, it remains lower than normal, causing concern among local residents.
“If the water source cannot return to its normal flow, there will be major impacts on local agriculture,” Khu Htu Reh warned. “We are currently working on managing this situation systematically, but without active participation from the community, our efforts alone will not be enough.”
To address the issue, committees have been established to oversee the protection of the water outlet and to conduct traditional religious ceremonies aimed at safeguarding the site. Meanwihle, it has been reported that some maintenance work has already begun.
“If this creek were to disappear, sourcing water elsewhere would become extremely difficult and complicated,” said one local resident who relies on the creek. “In the past, when the level of conflict was less intense, accessing water from the Ngwe Taung Dam was relatively easy. However, under the current circumstances, it has become increasingly difficult.”
Currently, the IEC’s Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation Department is making preparations to fence off the area around Nansan Phu Creek to better protect the water source.
