Royal Irrigation Dept confirms sufficient water behind dams & reservoirs

BANGKOK, 29 April 2013 (NNT) – The Royal Irrigation Department has come out to assure Thailand that there will be sufficient supply of water behind all major dams and reservoirs for this year’s farming season.

Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department Lertviroj Kowattana said that there are currently a total of 36.43 billion cubic meters of water in all major dams and large reservoirs across the country. This is equivalent to 52 percent of their combined storage capacity.

Mr. Lertviroj said about 12 billion cubic meters of water, or 18 percent of the combined capacity, can still be provided for use. He stated the amount that should be sufficient for off-season and seasonal rice farming set to begin on May 1.

And even though the Royal Irrigation Department has been informed by the Meteorological Department that there will be regular rainfall from now until the arrival of the cold season, worries remain about the shortage of water in the reservoirs in northeastern Udon Thani and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Accordingly, all farmers in the areas have been asked to refrain from all agricultural activities, said Mr. Lertviroj.

In addition, the Royal Irrigation Department chief said that, during the latest dry season, farming along the Chao Phraya River watershed has taken place over 10 million rai farmland, which is more than the suggested 9 million rai.

Nevertheless, he affirmed that there will be sufficient water for farming throughout this year’s farming season.


-- NNT 2013-04-29

Nice to hear. Let's hope the rain season does not over fill the remainder. I would also think telling farmers in the north east to preserve water for irrigation will fall on deaf ears.

Was wondering how this fits with the droughts we hear of in so many places?

Last week 40+ proviences were delcared drought zones. The additional monies allowed will be well spent, I am sure.

strikes me as a clear indication there is trouble afoot

I live in the drought province of Khampaeng Phet and we have had no supply of domestic water in our village for 51 days so far let alone any for farming.

Granted we have also had some heavy showers for 4 days this month but still no domestic water supply.