Residents in Chibwe (Chipwi) Township, located in Myitkyina District, Kachin State, have reported that the Chibwe stream has been negatively impacted by rare-earth mining activities. As a result, they are experiencing water scarcity issues and facing the risks of landslides in the area. In the past, villagers relied on the Chibwe stream for agriculture and farming activities,
“The growth of poppy fields in Kachin State is a measurement of political stability. The more unstable the political situation, the more poppy is grown. If the political situation is stable, fewer poppy is grown. The highest number of poppy fields has been grown this year, according to a representative of Pat Jasan Group who has operated in Waingmaw since 2014.