A plastics free campaign will soon be in effect on the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda compound, also known as Golden Rock, on full moon days, according to Dr. Min Kyi Win, the Mon State Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.
“If we carry out [the plan], it will minimize the huge amount of [plastic] garbage [found at Golden Rock]. The only [waste disposal] system available in the area is if shop or restaurant owners themselves bring their rubbish to the plastic crusher machine. However, there is still a lot of rubbish and waste,” said Dr. Min Kyi Win.
It has been estimated that visitors and restaurants at the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda compound produce two tons of rubbish and waste every day.
A long-term and short term plan to address the waste problem including, in the surrounding area of Kyaiktiyo pagoda has already been submitted to the Mon State government.
Dr. Min Kyi Win pointed out there is a growing garbage problem that goes beyond the Golden Rock compound. The problem is “[n]ot just in the surroundings and shops [around the pagoda], but also in Kyee- Kan-Pa-Sat and the waterfall areas [that] need to be added into the plan. More houses have been added to the village and they also contribute waste and rubbish to the area,” said Dr. Min Kyi Win.
Plans are being developed for a waste management system that will encourage people, including visitors, shops, and hotels to reduce the amount of trash they bring to the pagoda on the top of the mountain.
“People who come to Kyaiktiyo no matter [if they are] pilgrims or shop and restaurant owners, everyone should dispose of trash properly,” said Dr. Aung Naing Oo, the Mon State Hluttaw representative (Chaungzon-1).
To keep the environment and the compound of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda clean and safe, Dr. Aung Naing Oo proposed the idea of plastics free days during the 8th regular session of the Mon State Parliament meeting held in December 2017. His idea was approved by the State parliament.
