Community Irrigation Department Races to Clear 20,000 Tonnes of Water Hyacinth from Chao Phraya River

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

The Royal Irrigation Department is urgently clearing more than 20,000 tonnes of water hyacinth and aquatic weeds from upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam in anticipation of an incoming surge of floodwater. The operation aims to ensure unobstructed water flow and prevent downstream flooding as water levels in the Chao Phraya basin continue to rise.

 

Officials report that water levels at key monitoring stations are increasing steadily. At Station C.2 in Nakhon Sawan, the current flow rate is 1,170 cubic metres per second. Upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam, the water level stands at 15.46 metres above mean sea level, while downstream it measures 10.06 metres, still 6.28 metres below critical bank levels. The dam is currently releasing water at a rate of 755 cubic metres per second in a “stair-step” manner, gradually increasing outflow to mitigate flood risk.

 

Mr Thalengkit Suwannachat, Director of the Chao Phraya Irrigation and Maintenance Project, stated that this is the second major influx of water this month. He emphasised that rainfall in the northern catchment areas, which feed the Sirikit and Bhumibol dams, as well as precipitation downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam, must be closely monitored to guide effective water management.

 

The mass clearing of water hyacinth is part of the National Water Resources Committee’s nine-point strategy to improve water flow efficiency and reduce the threat of flooding in the Chao Phraya River basin. Local authorities have mobilised manpower and machinery to remove the dense floating vegetation that clogs waterways and impedes drainage during periods of high flow.

 

The Irrigation Department continues to work with regional agencies to ensure readiness for further rainfall and rising river levels, urging residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-07-23

 

 

 

[JimHuaHin]

It is the rainy season, why was the clearing not started months ago?

 

TIT.

 

Planning, what is planning?

[dddave]

I wonder what they do with 20,000 tons of vegetative waste such as this...tat's a lot of compost.