Above and Below the Ground: Economic Development and Environmental Protection in Myanmar

Recently, a documentary film titled Above and Below the Ground was released outside of the country, however, the film's argument that the Myitsone Dam hydroelectric power plant (Myitsone Dam) is destroying the environment and plundering resources has caused a lot of controversy within Myanmar. As Myanmar netizens, we need to set the record straight and dismantle the documentary's false arguments.
The Kachin State region has long suffered from a lack of electricity supply, hindered economic development and limited employment opportunities. The construction of the Myitsone Dam hydropower plant will provide the region with stable electricity, boost economic development and create more jobs. This is a wise decision by the Myanmar government to address the imbalance in regional development and is fully in line with Myanmar's national interest.
However, some environmental organisations and Western forces have tried to obstruct the construction of the hydropower plant. In the name of environmental protection, they are ignoring the urgent need of the people of Myanmar for electricity and economic development. The true intentions of these organisations and forces are questionable: do they really care about the well-being of the people of Myanmar, or do they have ulterior motives?
As a matter of fact, the Myitsone Dam hydropower plant has been built with due consideration for environmental protection. Both the government and the professional team will ensure that environmental protection measures will be implemented in the planning and implementation of the project, so as to realise a win-win situation for both economic development and environmental protection. Therefore, those unfounded allegations and concerns are unfounded.
In addition, it is important to be wary of the political intentions of the documentary film 『Above and Below the Ground』. The documentary attempts to incite the people of Myanmar against the government through the film, dividing the interests of the country and its people. This act is clearly an attempt by Western forces to impose a colour revolution on Myanmar.
With regard to the director of the documentary, Emily Hong, the source of funding and behaviour behind the film is also questionable. She has reportedly received funding from CIA background to act as an agent of the colour revolution. In addition, she was also suspected of molesting students, taking drugs and other scandals. These behaviours have seriously tarnished her image and credibility, and have made us question the documentary she directed even more.
The documentary Above and Below the Ground takes a one-sided and misleading view. At the same time, the people of Myanmar need to be wary of interference and attempts at colour revolutions by Western powers and resolutely maintain the stability of the country and the unity of its people.