DEPUTY Minister for Defence Maj-Gen Aung Myo Thant, who is also chairman of the Committee on Myanmar-Thailand Transboundary Haze Pollution Prevention, presided over the first coordination meeting of the committee in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
Speaking at the meeting, the deputy minister highlighted the meetings held to reduce Myanmar-Thai transboundary haze pollution after the formation of the committee and the intention of holding the current meeting to reduce fire hotspots, especially in March, April and May.
He continued that fire hotspots tend to occur more frequently during hot and dry years, and haze pollution commonly arises from January to May. As transboundary haze pollution is a frequent issue among neighbouring countries, it is important to prioritize control and reduction measures before the dry season intensifies.
To reduce fire hotspots and control transboundary haze pollution, priority areas will be designated based on the number and density of hotspots in respective regions and states. Continuous efforts will include promoting upland farming instead of shifting cultivation, producing fertilizer from agricultural waste, preventing careless use of fire in forests, raising public awareness, monitoring hotspot occurrences, measuring air quality, preparing response plans for haze pollution, and conducting simulation exercises.
He mentioned the main causes of fire in 2025, measures to conduct public awareness and priorities to reduce fire hotspots and meet the target in 2026.
He also urged cooperation with the department concerned in monitoring fire hotspots and measuring air quality in respective regions, and suggested proper activities to reduce fire hotspots and to carry out haze pollution prevention measures as a national task.
Committee First Vice-Chair Deputy Minister for Border Affairs Maj-Gen Phyo Thant, Second Vice-Chair Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Min Thu and the committee secretary briefed the awareness programmes conducted at the affiliated departments, one development university, two degree colleges and over 100 schools under the Ministry of Border Affairs using documentary video sent by Thailand, data of ASMC Website that shows highest number of hotspots in recent years occurred in eastern Myanmar and northern Thailand during March and April and ongoing preventive measures.
Participants coordinated the discussion, and the deputy minister concluded the meeting. — MNA/KTZH
