Residents of Mawlamyine are urging authorities to stop the use of heavy machinery for government-approved soil digging on Taung Wine Mountain.
Taung Wine Mountain is a popular destination for hikers, local visitors, and tourists throughout the year. It is one of Mawlamyine’s main attractions and an important part of the city’s natural ecosystem.
Locals say they are increasingly worried about environmental destruction because many machines have been digging on the mountain since early November, with nearly 200 truckloads of soil being removed each day. Residents also said they still do not know what project the soil is being taken for.
A Mon youth activist said the digging should be stopped because it appears to serve business interests and could seriously harm the environment in the long term.
“I understand that they need soil from the mountain, but they should also think about the environmental impact. No matter how much they need it for business, I don’t think they should dig this much. Some parts of the mountain are already becoming flat. In the long run, the environment will suffer,” he said.
Digging on Taung Wine Mountain began during the NLD government but was halted after public opposition. Although the work has now resumed, residents say they are afraid to speak out under the military junta.
As locals criticised the destruction, a government team led by Mon State Chief Minister U Aung Kyi Thein visited the site on November 20. However, a resident said nothing has changed and digging is still continuing.
“The government visited and said the mountain belongs to them with permission to use it, so others cannot object. Soil is still being taken today,” the resident said.
Residents believe the soil is being used for the new Hlaing Town project, the construction of the Ataran Bridge, and other land-development activities in Mawlamyine. They say several parts of the mountain have already become flat.
Since the military coup, environmental protection has weakened, raising concerns about worsening climate change impacts. Civil groups and residents say they cannot protest due to security concerns.
This year, Taung Wine Mountain has faced severe damage from commercial activities, including mining, land sales, and land demarcation. Locals fear that freshwater and drinking-water ponds in Mawlamyine could dry up, leading to water shortages for the township.
