Bangkok: The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy (ONREP) has announced that it has not approved or revoked the designation of the Wang Tonod reservoir in the national park area. According to ONREP, no approval or revocation has been given for the national park area concerning the construction of the Wang Tonod reservoir, emphasizing the need for compliance with legal procedures and the National Environmental Board's resolutions.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Bannarak Sermthong, Secretary-General of ONREP, acting as the secretariat of the National Environmental Committee, clarified that the circulated information suggesting that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment had sanctioned the use or revocation of national park land for the Wang Tonod Reservoir project is inaccurate and contradicts the legal process. Mr. Bannarak stated that the Ministry has not yet approved, permitted, or revoked any designation of the Khao Sib Ha Chan National Park area.
He further explained that the issues highlighted were merely opinions provided by the Royal Irrigation Department through the Cabinet Secretariat for project consideration, not an approval or revocation of the national park area as misunderstood. Before any land use request or national park designation revocation, the Royal Irrigation Department must review the project details, reducing the area to an appropriate size following the National Environmental Committee's resolution and all relevant legal procedures. The revocation of national park designation requires Cabinet approval before any further action can be taken.
The implementation of the Wang Tonod Reservoir project must adhere to the resolution of the National Environmental Committee dated June 21, 2021, which reviewed the Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) report of the project. The resolution mandates several actions for the Royal Irrigation Department, including reviewing land use to ensure suitability, educating the public on water use, and updating data on those affected before holding public hearings as required by the 2017 Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand for Cabinet consideration.
Furthermore, there is a requirement to minimize land use due to the area's status as a wildlife habitat. Consultations with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation are necessary to determine the appropriate project size, with strict adherence to the mitigation and impact prevention measures outlined in the EHIA report. ONREP, as the secretariat of the National Environmental Committee, confirms that all steps have been taken transparently and accountably, within its authority and relevant laws, to balance development, natural resource conservation, and the protection of public rights.