NAY PYI TAW June 9
A work coordination meeting for water supply, agriculture and greening tasks in PyinOoLwin Township, PyinOoLwin District in Mandalay Region was held at the National Landmarks Garden in PyinOoLwin this morning and Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivered an address at the meeting.
Also present at the meeting were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, SAC Member Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Defence General Maung Maung Aye, union ministers, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief , the usual entourage, the chief minister of Mandalay Region, the commander of Central Command, district and township-level departmental officials and responsible officials.
Tasks carried out for water supply, agriculture and greening reported to the Senior General
First, Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Min Naung reported to the Senior General on implementation of guidance on sufficient water supply in PyinOoLwin Township in PyinOoLwin District given the Senior General when he visited PyinOoLwin in April, field observations of water resources to explore ways and means to supply water to PyinOoLwin Township in PyinOoLwin District, upgrading tasks of dams and embankments in PyinOoLwin to store more water and possible outcomes and conclusions of field trips for water resources, advantages and disadvantages and geological surveys for construction of newdams and diversion dams. Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung reported to the Senior General on geographical facts and human settlement in urban and rural areas in the township, water resources currently used to supply water to the township and water supply operations, reviews to supply sufficient water to PyinOoLwin by dividing the township into zones, agriculture carried out in the township and livestock breeding zones and tasks carried out for sanitation and pleasantness of the township. Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Khin Maung Yee reported to the Senior General on forest areas and forest coverage and forestry works carried out year by year for the greening of the township. Union Minister for Construction U Myo Thant reported to the Senior General on measures taken for urban greening and road maintenance works .
The Senior General makes additional remarks
After hearing the reports, the Senior General said it is necessary to implement a Quick Win Plan to tap potentials within a short period effectively and successfully to supply sufficient water to the township and the district. In upgrading dams, it is important to conduct systematic surveys on lifespan and resilience of them. In developing projects for construction of dams and diversion dams, it is necessary to take irrigation areas, the beneficiary population and the future population into consideration. It is also vital to systematically record data on human settlement in rural and urban areas, employments and life-styles and socioeconomic lives of the region and residents can be enhanced based on the data. In carrying out agriculture tasks, it is necessary to utilize agricultural land to its full extent and to replace crop cultivation with farming or highland farming. It is essential to provide necessary water supply and inputs. In implementation of agriculture and livestock breeding zones, it is essential to availability of water resources, ability to construct production roads and other basic needs into construction since the beginning. In carrying out agricultural tasks, it is necessary to take basic needs including seeds, land, water and techniques into account.
Discussion on regional development
Subsequently, the Senior General, in his remarks, noted that the population in PyinOoLwin Township has been increasing year by year. This is attributed to the favourable climate, the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices, and the overall appeal of the area, which encourages people to settle there. He emphasized that water is an essential resource for residents, and efforts must be made to ensure a sufficient supply of drinking and irrigation water, as well as sustainable water resource management.
PyinOoLwin is being developed as the Cherry City, Flower City, Coffee City, Education City, and Health City. As a region where cherry trees thrive, systematic cultivation is needed to establish it as a Cherry City. The town has long been known as a Flower City, and its traditional heritage must be preserved while continuing to protect native flower varieties. For example, Vietnam generates significant revenue by exporting various flowers, particularly Gandama and Thitsa, which are also successfully grown in PyinOoLwin. Similarly, Arabica coffee from PyinOoLwin is highly sought after in global markets, so systematic cultivation and increased exports should be prioritized. Additionally, PyinOoLwin has the potential to become a Sports City, with opportunities to host events like football matches, cycling races, and other sports. Town planning should include well-designed sports facilities. Furthermore, efforts should be made to transform PyinOoLwin into a Green City, Clean City, and Smart City by preserving and restoring forests in the surrounding areas. Local residents and officials stationed in the region must take the lead in these development efforts, with the state providing necessary support. Forming an Elders’ Group with senior local residents is also recommended to preserve traditions, uphold the region’s reputation, and provide guidance for development.
Regarding land use, efforts should be made nationwide to utilize land effectively based on its classification. Responsible authorities at all levels must manage land systematically. To protect forests and the natural environment, slash-and-burn agriculture must be eliminated across the country. Existing paddy fields should be developed into high-yield agricultural lands through research and innovation. Shifting cultivation practices should be phased out, and upland farming should be promoted.
As PyinOoLwin attracts many domestic and international tourists, providing top-quality services is essential to support regional development. Locally produced fresh fruits, vegetables, and traditional foods should be used to attract visitors. Cleanliness and aesthetic appeal are crucial, as guests come only when a home is sweet, so the entire community must work together to keep the area clean and beautiful. Roads must meet designated standards, and public compliance with traffic laws should be encouraged through awareness campaigns. Planting shade trees along roads systematically will enhance visual appeal and promote tranquility. To ensure cleanliness and beauty across regions, states, towns, and villages, proper waste segregation practices must be adopted. Ministries and relevant departments should lead by example, promoting these practices to communities to achieve the goal of establishing Green Cities and Clean Cities nationwide.
