Water Level Concern For Central Area

[sbk]

Water level concern for central area

PLANES MAKE 12 RAIN FLIGHTS A DAY

Published: 19/04/2009 at 12:00 AM

Newspaper section: News

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is concerned about severe water shortages for farmers in the central region as levels at major dams and reservoirs are far below the target capacity.

Arkanay Boonlert, director of the rain-making centre for central provinces, said drought had caused them to dispatch planes based in Nakhon Sawan to make 12 artificial rain flights a day.

The attempt was successful in Ayutthaya, Chai Nat, Nakhon Sawan, Suphan Buri and Kanchanaburi, but sugarcane farmers in Saraburi, Lop Buri and Phetchabun still urgently need water for their crops.

Mr Arkanay warned of low water levels at Thap Salao reservoir in Uthai Thani, Krasieo reservoir in Suphan Buri and Pasak Jolasit dam in Lop Buri.

The three are the main source of water for farmers in the central plain.

The water level at Thap Salao has sharply dropped to 36 per cent of full capacity, while Krasieo reservoir is at 70 per cent capacity and Pasak Jolasit is at 60 per cent.

The target level for dams, set by the rain-making centre, is at least 80 per cent of full capacity so water could be efficiently managed and distributed to people living downstream during the drought period.

Thap Salao reservoir can hold 198 million cubic metres of water at full capacity.

The full capacity of Krasieo is 363 million cubic metres and that of Pasak Jolasit is 960 million cubic metres.

While the water situation in central provinces was a concern for officials, some villagers in Nakhon Ratchasima had another problem.

Water released from Lam Takhong dam in the northeastern province has inundated several villages, affecting over 200 households.

Toi Srimuenwai, 53, a resident of tambon Muenwai in Muang district, said dam authorities yesterday opened sluice gates to release water after it rained heavily on Friday night. The water released from the dam has flooded many villages and caused damage to 200 rai of farmland and vegetable plots.

She said her community faced flooding every year. The flooding caused her house to subside and develop some cracks, she added.

Ubon Yonjorho, 47, one of the affected residents, called on authorities to address the problem.

So far, state assistance has not yet reached affected residents.

Source: Bangkok Post