No decision on Zalon Hill as a nature park

A survey suggested that it is feasible to establish a nature park at Zalon Hill in Nant Khaung Huu Forest Reserve in Bhamauk Township.

A 13-member survey team led by Chairman Aung Shwe presented its detailed analysis to the Management Committee in Bhamauk Township, the Sagaing Regional chief minister and the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry on February 19, 2014. There has been no reply to date, said the team’s chairman.

"We submitted a proposal to the management committee that Zalon Hill should be established as a nature park," Aung Swe said. "A proposal also suggested that the experts from forest department and skilled staff need to (further) survey Zalon Hill."

A road leading to Zalon Hill, which is in Katha District, Sagaing Region, is currently under construction, and Aung Swe is concerned that if it is not established as a nature park, the forests will be chopped down for other commercial interests.

Meanwhile, the area has attracted some international attention as a possible tourist destination.

"The media has already covered Zalon Hill," said Nyo Ko Naing from Heritage Conservation Team in Katha Township. "That’s why a foreign tourism agency is now interested in Zalon Hill. If we want to promote it to the tourism industry, we have to have a safe road leading to it."