PM Prayut eyes sustainable water management

[webfact]

PM eyes sustainable water management

 

 

BANGKOK, 19th December 2016 (NNT) – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing sustainability to its water management system. 

Addressing the public on national television, the Prime Minister said the government has made good progress in developing an effective irrigation system through the adoption of His Majesty the late King’s teachings. 

In the past two years he said, almost 2,000 reservoirs have been constructed, with a total capacity of 756 million cubic meters of water, benefiting millions of farmlands across the nation. 

As for fiscal 2017, he said the government is planning to implement more water management projects, promote the large-scale farming practice, and bring reform to land allocations. 

Of all the projects, 211 will be launched in the initial phase. More than 480,000 rai of farmland and 100,000 homes will have good access to water. 

Lastly, he confirmed that every planned project aims to uplift the quality of life of the people and protect natural resources.

 

-- nnt 2016-12-19

[PatOngo]

When the water is cut off to that  cult temple, there will be plenty of water to go around.

[Lupatria]

Since how long is this going on? The only sustainability I see here is the water in the eyes of those who get flooded year after year despite all those half baked measures. 

[robblok]

1 hour ago, Lupatria said:

Since how long is this going on? The only sustainability I see here is the water in the eyes of those who get flooded year after year despite all those half baked measures. 

Some places just can't be saved that is a fact others can be and measures should be taken. There will always be flooding at low lying area's near the rivers at some point you need to draw a line and go for it. 

[welshissan]

How big are these dams, and how safely were they built, if they constructed nearly 2000 in 2 years? Just asking

[connda]

For all the noble talk their plans never seem to work.  Then the dismiss the help of countries like the Netherlands who have a long history and experience in the realm of water management.  And next year we'll have too much water in parts of Thailand and too little in others as is always the case.  Talk is one thing.  Proven management is another.

[the guest]

You only get 'sustainability' if you invite those which are masters at water management, like the Dutch.  But this is Thailand, and they have their own very 'special' ways to screw everything up !

[bark]

3 hours ago, Lupatria said:

Since how long is this going on? The only sustainability I see here is the water in the eyes of those who get flooded year after year despite all those half baked measures. 

He dug 2,000 holes in the ground. Soldiers call them toilets.

[bark]

1 hour ago, welshissan said:

How big are these dams, and how safely were they built, if they constructed nearly 2000 in 2 years? Just asking

Agreed, this is a good question ?

[55Jay]

A very micro-example of these seemingly disorganized on water projects.....  

 

Our 2 main town reservoirs were completely empty, we haven't have government water for a year or more, getting by with rain water collection and well water deliveries.  Not whinging,  many folks, including several TVF members, were in the same boat, or worse. 

 

I was cautiously optimistic seeing men and equipment (finally) cleaning out and shoring up the local reservoirs, ponds and klongs, and I began weekly motorbike tours to monitor progress.   Optimism turned to dismay, often seeing JCBs and gear standing idle for days and weeks on end.   Where the F were these knuckleheads?  I quit my motorbike tours in disgust, figured our water woes would continue for years to come and was giving serious thought to moving on to lower, greener pastures.

 

We got some decent rain fall but nowhere near enough to fill both big holes up again.   Near the end of this past rain season, took a ride over to the newer, bone dry reservoir and it was completely full.     How in the????   I saw they had also cut a new klong alongside the road about 2 kliks over to the older reservoir.  Rode down there and was gobsmacked at the raging torrent at the other end.   Me and about 30 others were just standing there watching and listening to the glorious sound of heavy, rushing water.  The feeling of joy and relief was palpable.  I went back a couple days later, the reservoir was completely full.  Incredible.  

 

The local Tessaban put up a big picture canvas by the reservoir, patting themselves on the back for the successful water project.   I had to swallow my cynicism and give credit where credit was due, they got it done somehow, and we have water in the pipes again; which, I admit, feels a bit luxurious after so long without. 

[elgordo38]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

promote the large-scale farming practice,

Yes I see what you have up your sleeve. Goodbye little guy hello Jolly Green Giant growers. 

[billd766]

2 hours ago, connda said:

For all the noble talk their plans never seem to work.  Then the dismiss the help of countries like the Netherlands who have a long history and experience in the realm of water management.  And next year we'll have too much water in parts of Thailand and too little in others as is always the case.  Talk is one thing.  Proven management is another.

 

You could say that about every government over the last 20 or 30 years.

 

Sustainability in the end boils down to ALL water users behaving sensibly. Something that doesn't normally happen in Thailand.

 

Out here in rural Khampaeng Phet there are a lot of rain fed ponds but when the dry season comes they tend to dry up or get pumped dry by farmers.

[Billy Bloggs]

I cant comment greatly about this at present as I still live the city life for another 11 months, but we did get a nice new dam dug last week for 2500 baht and some beer and curried chicken for the boys, so for now its not a great step but a start.

What I can say is floods and droughts effect a lot of countries not just Thailand, one benefit they do have is they largely, to my knowledge know what part of the year they may get the floods.

[ramrod711]

Of all the projects, 211 will be launched in the initial phase. More than 480,000 rai of farmland and 100,000 homes will have good access to water.

 

Like him or not, you have to wish him success in this. Previous governments water management plans consisted of emptying the dams before the rain season so they couldn't be blamed for flooding. On the occasions when the rains weren't plentiful enough to avoid drought it was merely Chok Mai Dee.