In an era where innovative solutions are paramount, Caretaker Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow has called for a revamp of flood prevention strategies, urging relevant agencies to abandon the outdated Kaeng Suea Ten Dam project. According to Sitang Pilailar, the minister’s adviser, Thamanat emphasized during a recent ministry executive meeting that becoming fixated on the decades-old dam plan is not the best path forward.
Instead, Thamanat recommends the ministry shift its focus to providing immediate relief to flood victims and preventing flooding in the Yom River basin, which includes the historically affected Sukhothai province. Ms. Sitang conveyed Capt. Thamanat’s concerns about the potential damage to local communities if the old dam plan were to proceed. This sentiment has prompted a reevaluation of water management projects, prioritizing less invasive and more effective flood prevention strategies.
One of the contemporary solutions under review involves a comprehensive study of watershed lines aimed at better managing water volumes from tributaries. The ministry is also considering the construction of small reservoirs along these tributaries. These measures are not just theoretical; they are already in various phases of implementation. Some projects are undergoing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) while others are currently in the design phase.
Ms. Sitang highlighted specific projects in the Ngao district of Phrae and Chiang Muan district of Phayao, each with the grand ambition of diverting at least 70 million cubic meters of water away from the overwhelmed Yom basin. These projects are advancing towards the contractor-finding phase, signifying a move from planning to execution.
In addition, there’s a concerted effort to accelerate the water drainage process before it reaches the Had Saphan Chan water gate in Sukhothai province. The objective here is clear: increase the drainage capacity to prevent around 500 million cubic meters of water from inundating Sukhothai and re-route 1,200 million cubic meters of water through the Nan River. Plans to expand weirs along the Nan River and create diversion canals on its western side further exemplify the multi-faceted approach to flood management.
Despite these proactive measures, there remains some controversy around the Kaeng Suea Ten Dam. Ms. Sitang mentioned that the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) had yet to act on forwarding complaints against the dam to the cabinet, leaving the project’s future in limbo. She noted that although an EIA for the dam was conducted more than 30 years ago, any attempt to resurrect the project would necessitate a fresh study.
Adding to the debate, Hannarong Yaowalers, chairman of the Foundation for Integration of Water Management, urged all involved agencies to scrutinize data meticulously. Mr. Hannarong pointed out the dam’s inefficacy, arguing that the Ping River Basin’s water volume alone would fill the Kaeng Suea Ten Dam to its brim in just five days. He further questioned the wisdom of sacrificing over 60,000 rai of prime forestland and displacing thousands of local residents for a project of such dubious value. A flood’s damage might be temporary, but annihilating communities and livelihoods would have long-term, irrevocable consequences.
In summary, as Thailand faces the perennial issue of flooding, the call for fresh ideas and innovative solutions has never been more urgent. Under Thamanat’s stewardship, the emphasis is shifting towards sustainable and community-friendly projects. Whether these initiatives can supplant the old paradigms and deliver on their promises remains to be seen, but the drive for a new, effective flood prevention strategy is unmistakably strong.
I’ve long thought the Kaeng Suea Ten Dam was a bad idea. We need modern solutions, not outdated ones.
You’re right. A dam that could endanger forests and communities doesn’t seem worth it.
But small reservoirs also need land. Aren’t we just shifting the problem?
Plus, modern strategies may be more flexible and can adapt to changing conditions better than a fixed structure like a dam.
Exactly, and with climate change, flexibility is key.
Coming from someone in the field, I think abandoning the dam is a mistake. Dams offer controlled water management that small reservoirs can’t match.
Control at what cost? Wildlife and local populations always get the short end of the stick.
There are always compromises in infrastructure projects.
But we should aim for solutions that minimize harm while maximizing benefits, right?
Flooding is a serious issue, but we should look at long-term impacts, not just quick fixes.
As a flood victim, I can tell you we need immediate relief, not endless debates over projects that take decades.
Absolutely. Immediate action can save lives.
Why the focus on dams at all? How about better urban planning and zoning laws?
Thamanat’s approach seems more humane. Let’s save the forests and communities.
True, preserving forests helps in so many ways, including natural water management.
Forests can’t drain flooded towns. Infrastructure is essential.
The RID dragging their feet on the dam issue shows a lack of accountability.
Exactly, they should resolve the controversy once and for all.
Has anyone considered the economic costs of the new solutions versus the dam?
Good point. What’s the cost breakdown?
New solutions might be cheaper in the long run if they’re more effective and don’t require massive relocations.
Money matters, sure, but lives are irreplaceable. Preferring a cost-effective but risky solution is shortsighted.
The Kaeng Suea Ten Dam might not be perfect, but small reservoirs aren’t a magic bullet either.
I’ve seen enough environmental destruction. It’s time we think long-term.
Couldn’t agree more!
I have little faith in the government executing any plan efficiently.
If we’re talking about multi-faceted solutions, how about investing in green infrastructure and natural floodplains?
Urban and agricultural areas should integrate better water management practices. Simple as that.
The integration is easier said than done. It requires cohesive policy and public cooperation.
Can’t we use technology to predict and manage floods better, rather than relying on old-school infrastructure?
It’s 2024. We should innovate rather than cling to last-century solutions.
Innovation can’t replace the need for robust infrastructure in flood-prone areas. Both should work hand in hand.
But innovation should lead the way. Old infrastructure with a new face doesn’t solve the systemic issues.
What about the environmental cost of new construction? We need to consider that too.
The perfect solution doesn’t exist, but practical, balanced ones do. Pragmatism should guide these decisions.