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'Burma's Open Road': A New High Asia film to be released in winter 2006-2007
July 3, 2007: (High Asia Exploratory Mountain Co) Indian Delegation crossing with High Asia film crew from India to Myanmar via Pangsau Pass to meet with Burmese officials in order to discuss the opening of the 'New Burma Road'
India Burma border
The Old Burma Road, that most legendary of SE Asian roads, actually has a history that long pre-dates General 'Vinegar' Joe Stilwell and WWII's China, India Burma Theater.
The Burma Road that gripped the attention of the American public in 1940s is actually the ancient Southern Silk Route. Historically it has been a conduit for people, ideas and commerce since the time of Plinny, reaching from India through Myanmar to China and the rest of SE Asia.
With the advent of sea trade this route fell into disuse. WWII saw massive re-engineering of the Road in order to get troops and supplies into Burma and China from India to resist the Japanese. As soon as it was completed in 1945, the war ended and jungle reclaimed the Road.
What are the social, environmental and economic consequences of linking China, Myanmar (Burma) and India via the new Burma Road? What are the implications for tourism when you can get in your car in Kunming or Bangkok and drive to Bhutan via Myanmar and India?
High Asia and the NGO Inner Asian Conservation look at this question in the soon to be released 'Burma's Open Road' documentary film. Shot in winter of 2005 and early 2006 the film offers never been seen footage of Myanmar and NE India's forbidden state of Arunachal Pradesh. Stay tuned for updates.