Bangkok: Royal Irrigation Department stated Prepare to manage water in the rainy season of 2024 to support both the rainy season in mid-June. – Mid-July At the same time, prepare for heavy rain at the end of the season. Accelerate water storage costs Reserve for use in the next dry season. Ready to ask for cooperation from farmers to use rainwater as the main source of preparation for planting rice in the first year.
Mr. Chuchat Rakjit, Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, together with Ms. Kanwee Sitthijiphak, Director-General of the Meteorological Department, announced the water situation in the rainy season and the water management plan.
Director-General of the Meteorological Department said El Niño conditions are now weakening and will reach neutral in June. Then it will change to a weak La Niña condition in July with a probability of 69 percent. Therefore, from mid-June to mid-July there may be a period of rain in some areas. But from mid-July to September, there will be increased rainf
all and heavy rainfall in some areas continuing until the end of 2024. It is also expected that Around August to October, there may be 1 – 2 tropical cyclones moving into Thailand. The total rainfall in this year’s rainy season will be close to normal.
Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department said Remind irrigation projects across the country to strictly follow the 10 measures to deal with the rainy season in 2024 that the National Water Administration (NCW) has set out. Ready to closely and continuously monitor and monitor weather conditions from related agencies. Use the data to analyze and plan water management to be consistent with the situation and within the specified criteria. along with storage Including inspecting irrigation buildings to ensure they are ready for use at their full potential. Ready to determine personnel Define risk areas Prepare machinery, tools and communication systems for various areas. To be able to resolve the situation immediately
Importantly, public relations must
be continuously alerted to the public about water situations that may affect the public. According to the orders of Captain Thammanat Phromphao, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
The Royal Irrigation Department is ready to accept both the dry spell and heavy rain. Water will be managed meticulously and concisely in accordance with the situation. As well as emphasizing water storage to reserve for use in the next dry season.
Mr. Det Lekwichai, Deputy Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, said During the dry season of 2023/24, the Royal Irrigation Department has planned to allocate water for the dry season, which starts from 1 November 2023 until 30 April 2024, for a total of 24,985 million cubic meters (cubic meters). Only the Chao Phraya River Basin plans to allocate approximately 8,700 water. million cubic meters to support the use of water for consumption Preserve ecosystems, agriculture and industry Including controlling the salinity and water quality in various main rivers. At pre
sent, the dry season is over. It is found that the entire country has used water throughout the dry season, totaling approximately 23,832 million cubic meters, accounting for 95 percent of the plan. The Chao Phraya River Basin has a total water use of approximately 8,586 million cubic meters, or 99 percent of the plan.
However, the areas in the irrigation area are not affected by the water shortage problem. There is also a sufficient amount of water reserved for use at the beginning of the rainy season. As of 1 May 2024, large and medium sized reservoirs throughout the country have a total water volume of 41,765 million cubic meters, still able to support water. During the rainy season, more than 34,572 million cubic meters can be gained, only in the Chao Phraya River Basin, 4 main dams include Bhumibol Dam. Sirikit Dam Kwai Noi Bamrung Daen Dam and the Pasak Cholasit Dam have a combined water volume of 11,256 million cubic meters, which can support more than 13,615 million cubic meters of water during the r
ainy season.
At the same time, measures have been put in place to manage water in the rainy season. To have enough water to use until the next dry season. By allocating adequate water for consumption and maintaining the ecosystem. along with requesting cooperation from farmers who will grow rice in the annual rice season to use rainwater as the main basis. By waiting for consistent rain to fall before preparing the plot for planting. Then use additional irrigation water.
In addition, it is emphasized that Rain situation and water situation this year It will not be like the year 2011 which had a huge flood. In 2011 there was heavy rain from the beginning of the season. Moreover, the Royal Irrigation Department currently has various measures and tools. to manage runoff for maximum efficiency along with water storage Including planning for flood prevention. To reduce the impact and alleviate suffering for the people as much as possible.
Source: Thai News Agency