17 June, 2026
Residents of Taunggyi Township in southern Shan State say the number of people illegally dumping waste into streams, canals and ponds has risen, causing growing health concerns across the municipality.
Locals accuse township authorities and contracted waste-management firms of failing to take responsibility, leaving communities to cope with sewage, household trash and other refuse left in public waterways.
Vendors at Shwe Nyaung Market say sewage from toilets in the market area is being quietly discharged into drainage channels, producing foul odors and creating health risks for nearby residents and shoppers.
“One whole market stinks now. It’s been going on for a long time,” a vendor who asked not to be named told reporters. “Doesn’t the municipality know? They built the toilets there. It’s surprising they don’t stop people when they do this.”
Trash also accumulates beneath the main road, under bridges and along sidewalks in Shwe Nyaung, where rotting waste emits bad smells that spread through the township, residents say.
With the rainy season increasing humidity and water levels, the foul odors and contamination from the dumped waste have intensified. People urge the township administration to act quickly to clean affected areas so daily life and movement are not disrupted.
Similarly in Aye Thar Yar Township, community members say recent disruptions at the local waste-collection company have led to more people dumping refuse into canals, causing waterways to clog and the environment to deteriorate.
“My house is suffering. When the rains come the canal overflows and we can’t stay comfortable even inside,” said a woman from Aye Thar Yar. “We’ve told the municipality many times, but it’s been a long delay with no real action.”
Residents report that dumped waste flows from the canals into Kyee Pyu Lake, contaminating the lake water. The polluted, foul-smelling water emerging from the lake is damaging drinking-water sources and posing health risks.
Under the current military leader Min Aung Hlaing, the township signed a contract with ECO Company to operate in Taunggyi township, and the company also announced it would serve Taunggyind Aye Thar Yar towns; however, locals criticize that, despite the passage of many months, the promised work has yet to be carried out.
