Large tree trunks like this one pose a danger to small boats plying the Uru River. Pic: Than Htike Oo

THE Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems under the Ministry of Transport plans to remove 20 dangerous tree trunks from the Uru River in northern Myanmar, a department official said.

“Tree trunks in the waterway are very problematic for navigation. They are avoidable for the boats if some part of them is above the water. But vessels can sink by hitting them,” the official said.

The 270-kilometre (166-mile) Uru River originates in Kachin State and flows into the Chindwin River about five kilometres (3 miles) downstream from the town of Homelin in Sagaing Division.

The river is navigable by small boats for about 82 kilometres (133 miles) north from its confluence with the Chindwin. The Uru River is an important conduit for the transportation of fuel and goods to and from gold and jade mines in the region.

The directorate started its work along the river in 2005. It removed 60 tree trunks in 2006 and 30 in 2007.