Combating Haze And Drought In Chiang Mai

[ChiangMaiMail]

Combating haze and drought in Chiang Mai

By Staff reporters

The Chiang Mai Provincial Authority (PAO) is increasing efforts to help solve the haze crisis in the city, said Boonlert Buranupakorn, the president of Chiang Mai PAO. He said that more anti-burning promotional campaigns to increase awareness among the general public will be instituted. In addition, more artificial rain making had been readied.

President Boonlert added that even though the air pollution in Chiang Mai isn’t as severe as nearby provinces he still felt that active measures needed to be taken to combat the haze and drought.

“The haze has blocked the scenic views and beauty of Chiang Mai city, which is regarded as a world famous tourist spot. We plan to work in cooperation with agencies concerned, so as to help speed up the installation of water spraying machines around the city roads to make the city wet so as to reduce dust in the air”.

In addition, he said, the PAO would work in cooperation with the Royal Artificial Rain Making Center, Northern Region to bring in four aircraft to launch the artificial rain making, starting from March 11. He noted that the PAO would spend 200 million baht to help provide assistance to people requesting help in combating the drought, About 10 water trucks have been engaged to provide water.

PAO President Boonlert said currently 10 out Chiang Mai’s 25 districts had been announced as the disaster areas due to the drought.

http://chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd5

-- Chiang Mai Mail 2010/03/16

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[Robroy]

Three years ago (after 300,000 people in the north were treated for pulmonary problems from smoke inhalation) he announced that the problem was being caused entirely by Korean barbeque restaurants.

The governor then ordered firetrucks to spray the streets & "moisten" the air, which would allegedly bring rain.

I.e. don't hold your breath for any radical changes.