HM The King To Inaugurate Flood Relief Work In Bangkok

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HM to inaugurate flood relief work

By The Nation

His Majesty the King is to preside over the inauguration this evening of two important bridges and the water gates of a shortcut canal that has significantly eased episodes of flooding in Bangkok and its nearby provinces.

The structures followed His Majesty's initiatives. Located in Samut Prakan province, the two bridges straddling the Chao Phya River are named Bhumibol I and Bhumibol II. Nearby are the water gates of the Pho shortcut canal.

Although they have contributed greatly to the reduction of flood problems over recent years, their official inauguration will take place this evening.

His Majesty will take his first boat trip in years to preside over the ceremony. Accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, His Majesty will leave Siriraj Hospital from its pier at around 4.30pm.

The royal boat "Angsana" will then proceed along the Chao Phya River and the Pho shortcut canal until it reaches its destination in Samut Prakan at about 5.50pm.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and many senior government officials will be there to welcome His Majesty.

During the inauguration ceremony, video presentations about the water gates and the bridges will be displayed. A lightandsound show relying on pyro techniques will follow.

The ceremony is scheduled to end at 6.47pm, after which His Majesty and Her Royal Highness will return to Siriraj Hospital by boat.

His Majesty recommended the improvement of the Pho shortcut canal and the construction of related structures in 1995, with the aim of tackling annual flooding problems in Bangkok and its adjacent provinces.

Located at a bend of the Chao Phya River in Samut Prakan, the Pho shortcut canal stretches more than 600 metres, linking the bend in the river with another spot further down its meandering course. Without the canal, water in the river must travel about 18 kilometres between the two spots.

Initially, the Pho canal was just 10 to 15 metres wide. However, in response to His Majesty's initiative, its width has been increased to between 65 and 66 metres.

"Water can now flow from the first spot in the river to the second spot in just 10 minutes instead of taking five hours," said Royal Irrigation Department director general Chalit Damrongsak.

The water gates at the Pho shortcut canal give it greater efficiency in lowering water levels in the lower Chao Phya basin. During high tides, the water gates are closed, preventing water flowing northwards away from the sea.

In response to His Majesty's suggestions, the Royal Irrigation Department has also worked with Kasetsart University to develop axialflow and crossflow hydroturbine generators on the Pho shortcut canal. They are now able to generate 5.74 kilowatts of electricity per day.

Meanwhile, the Bhumibol I and Bhumibol II bridges across the Chao Phya River give much greater convenience to commuters, motorists and transportservice providers.

-- The Nation 2010-11-24