Bangkok: Deputy Minister Watcharapol followed up on water management strategies in the Chi River basin, moving forward with sustainable solutions to floods and droughts for the people of Roi Et. Mr. Watcharaphol Khaokham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and his delegation visited Roi Et Province to monitor the water situation, water resource management, and progress in water source development in the area. Mr. Watchara Kraisai, Director of Irrigation Office Region 6, along with executives and officials from the Royal Irrigation Department and related agencies, joined the visit and reported on their work. Tung Khao Luang District is located on the right bank of the Chi River, with important waterways including Huai Dang Diao, which receives water from the Thawatchai Reservoir and flows into the Chi River, as well as Huai Nam Khem and the Kut Ka Cha-Kut Khae Sae flood control area, which are crucial water reservoirs for the area.
According to Thai News Agency, during the rainy season each year, the water level in the Chi River rises, preventing water from the Huai Dang Diao stream from draining effectively into the Chi River. This results in recurring flooding in the area. Conversely, during the dry season, the area lacks large reservoirs and adequate water distribution systems, making agricultural areas far from the Chi River vulnerable to drought and water shortages for cultivation. The Royal Irrigation Department has developed an integrated water management approach to improve flood prevention and mitigation, while simultaneously strengthening water security during the dry season. Key operational plans include both short-term and long-term measures. For the short-term plan, during periods of high Chi River water levels, the Huai Dang Diao sluice gate will be closed, along with the operation of existing pumping stations and the installation of additional mobile pumps to quickly drain water from the area and minimize the impact on th e public.
Meanwhile, the Royal Irrigation Department has planned nine short-term projects to enhance water storage, drainage, and distribution capabilities to cover more agricultural areas. In addition, there are plans to develop retention ponds and water storage areas, improve sluice gate and pumping station systems, and construct check dams in tributaries to help manage floodwaters during the rainy season, increase water resources during the dry season, and maintain ecological balance in the area sustainably.
Upon completion, these projects will be able to prevent and mitigate the impact of flooding in an area of approximately 22,000 rai, covering four sub-districts: Thung Khao Luang, Thoet Thai, Bueng Ngam, and Lao, assisting over 4,700 households. Furthermore, they will increase irrigated land by over 5,000 rai, promote year-round cultivation, boost farmers' income, reduce damage from natural disasters, and create sustainable water security for communities in the Chi River basin.