Deforestation is on the rise in Kutkai Township, Muse District, Shan State, driven by an increase in logging and charcoal burning activities.

Residents told the Shan Herald that local villagers have been clearing large swathes of forest and trees in and around Kutkai township and Namphatkar, resulting in a significant increase in charcoal production compared to the previous year.

"The local people cut wood and make charcoal. Then those who have money also buy a forest area and make charcoal. If there is a

forest, they cut wood and make charcoal. Now the forest has disappeared and the weather has become exceedingly hot," a local woman in Kutkai Township told Shan Herald.

According to local residents, the forests surrounding Kutkai Township and Namphatkar are now rife with charcoal kilns. As a

consequence of such rampant deforestation, the weather in the area is becoming increasingly hot, and streams and wells are drying up.

A woman from the area reported that despite the arrival of spring this year, deforestation has escalated significantly due to increased charcoal burning. As a result, the well water in several villages and wards has diminished compared to previous years.

"If it continues like this, I don't think it will be easy. There will also be environmental damage. And the main thing is that the weather will be hotter, and the winter will be colder. Even now, some wells have run out of water," she continued.

Reports suggest that Nam Mao creek has become considerably shallower this year due to ongoing gold mining activities along the creek from Mongyulay, which is about 8 miles away from Kutkai Township.

The Nam Mao creek is a crucial water source for the farms of many locals in Mongyulay, Namphatkar, and Kutkai.

Local residents have reported that despite the presence of the coup Military Council and their affiliated militia forces in Kutkai Township, they have not taken any steps to prohibit gold mining activities that are causing harm to the environment.

Additionally, they are also participating in the business.

In addition to troops from the Military Council, there are also several ethnic armed organizations active in Kutkai Township, including the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA).