Thailand, a nation known for its lush landscapes, is currently battling against the ripple effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon. However, its Royal Irrigation Department (RID), which obsessively monitors water supply channels of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), assures of a continuous water supply regardless of the challenging climate conditions. These weather conditions, predicted to last through April next year, won’t be an obstacle, thanks to the RID’s proficient water management.
The meticulous planning and execution of the RID have garnered much attention and respect. Its director-general, Prapit Chanma, reiterates this dedication, assuring that the Bureau of Water Management and the Hydrology and Irrigation Office 9 are guided to set a comprehensive water management plan into action. This detailed plan is poised to guarantee sufficient water to EEC-based industries even amidst the unpredictable trials brought on by the El Nino climate event.
El Nino, notorious for bringing about a sharp reduction in average rainfall, is a severe weather event. As proof, the Thai Meteorological Department recorded a considerable 41% drop in the accumulated volume of rainwater from January to mid-July this year, compared with the same timeframe last year. Thus, ensuring a continuous water supply to the EEC regions, such as Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, and Rayong, relies heavily on a well-integrated network of reservoirs.
A water conservation operation was undertaken on May 30, focusing on increasing water levels in the Pra Sae reservoir in Rayong. This particular reservoir is a key water distribution hub for the EEC, and the operation aims at reducing the harshness of the El Nino’s impact.
Prapit Chanma revealed that this water supply operation would continue until the year’s end, guaranteeing a hefty 250,000 cubic meters of water per day, or a whopping 7.5 million m³ monthly. He also enlightened that plans about diverting water from the Bang Pakong River and Khlong Phra-Ong Chao Chaiyanuchit to the Bang Phra Dam are in full swing. This diversion strategy is anticipated to retain the standard of water production regarding volume and quality in Chon Buri.
The RID Director-General adamantly stressed on the RID’s commitment to avoid supply interruptions in the EEC. He reassured that the RID is religiously adhering to standard guidelines. In any instance where saline levels breach a certain threshold, the plan is to divert the water away. He further elucidates that “The critical water sources for the EEC are from the Pra Sae, Nong Pla Lai, Dok Krai and Khlong Yai reservoirs, and the dams in Chon Buri. The RID is closely working with the Department of Industrial Works to oversee the usage of water, thereby assuring enough supply across the EEC to combat El Nino effectively.”
Laying out the RID’s long-term measures, Prapit revealed plans for the establishment of other significant reservoirs, namely the Khlong Wang Tanod reservoir in Chanthaburi, the Khlong Nam Khiao reservoir in Rayong, and Nong Kra Ting and Khlong Ka Pong reservoirs in Chachoengsao. In addition to these measures, the RID has also prepared contingency plans to support areas affected by water shortages by deploying water pumps and trucks.
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