Dam on Early Alert against Floods

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Dam on Early Alert against Floods

TAK: -- Officials at the Bhumibol Dam say that in order to properly prepare for the upcoming rainy-season, water management strategies are being adjusted and they are now releasing the water to make room for more downpours.

Director of the Bhumibol Dam in Tak's Samngao District Narong Thaiprayoon said the water level at Bhumibol Dam has been decreased to 85 percent of the dam's capacity or around 11.5 billion cubic meters of water.

The Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management has launched a policy to release water for irrigation purposes during the drought season.

In addition, the government has ordered that seven billion cubic meters of water must be discharged between December of last year and this April in order to accommodate the upcoming rainy-season.

Officials aim to release 1.65 billion cubic meters of water in January alone to achieve the overall outcome.

If the current speed of drainage is maintained, 1.5 billion cubic meters of water will be discharged in February and March.

Only 800 million cubic meters will be left to be discharged in April.

Narong said that the government has ordered officials at the dam and the Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management to adjust water management strategies to prevent severe flooding this year.

However, authorities still want to keep enough water available for irrigation purposes and will meet again to reconsider the issue.

From May to July, officials expect an additional 6.5 billion cubic meters of water to enter the dam.

The amount is acceptable as more water is expected between August and October.

Tan Network 2012-01-27