Ayeyawady River: Legendary and a mother-like existence for Myanmar
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Thiri Khit Oo (NP News) - June 30
Nature provides beautiful and perfect Ayeyawady River in Myanmar flowing from north to south through the center of the country. The longest river in Myanmar shares a border with Kachin State, Bago, Yangon, Mandalay, Magway, and Ayeyarwady regions and consists of 26 townships covering a total of 2,170 kilometers and its drainage area is 413,710-kilometer square. The river is well known as the largest free-flow river in Myanmar.
In the historical era, there are many memories of national defense in ancient successive dynasties centering the Ayeyawady River, especially in colonial times; and thus, the Ayeyawady River is such an invaluable river for the country.
From centuries to today, all irrigation canals, agriculture sectors, trade, and transport channels depend on the Ayeyawady River, which makes people recognize it as unconditional love by a mother. Besides, that blood-life river supports ecosystem and eco-tourism.
The Confluence of the Maykha and Malikha Rivers originated the Ayeyawady. In 2007, the Myanmar government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China for the construction of hydroelectric dams under the Myitsone Project or Myitsone Dam at the confluence of the Maykha, Malikha, and Ayeyawady rivers. However, the project couldn’t be implemented until 2023 under various circumstances. In 2024, the State Administration Council (SAC) government reconsiders to resume the project.
Lately, the Ayeyawady River has become a tour destination with its picturesque views of Sagaing, Mandalay, and Bagan with rich in culture. The best recommendation to travel along the river is between November and March every year. Tourists love to travel in the Ayeyawady River by cruise enjoying the pleasant time of sitting on the sundeck, looking for Irrawaddy dolphins and sceneries.
There are also wildlife in and above the Ayeyawady River with biodiversity. The river is also essential for the aquatic resources in Myanmar which is one of the engines of Myanmar’s economy. According to the surveyed statistics, there is a total of 34 fish species confined to 27 genera bearing from 17 families. The Irrawaddy Dolphin population is decreasing and it is regarded as a rare species at the moment.
The Ayeyawady is also packed with waterbirds and other riverine species. There are also 83 waterbird species and 18 rare species such as green peafowl, black-bellied tern, and black-headed ibis. The successive governments have been making efforts to preserve those rare species to prevent from extinction by collaborating with residents and fishermen.
For centuries, Mother Ayeyawady always cares for people in Myanmar providing many benefits, and advantages. Besides, it is also the pride of the Myanmar people.
References – Go Myanmar Tours
Irrawaddy Voyages
Yadanabon University
Research Journal, Vol.11,
No.2
Forktail 36 Ayeyawady
survey of riverine birds
Britannica