Rangsit:The Royal Irrigation Department has intensified its efforts to manage waterlogging and address wastewater issues in the Rangsit Canal. Director-General Witthaya Kaewmee has ordered the acceleration of pumping operations and the use of clean water to flush out pollution from the canal.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Witthaya, along with other officials including Mr. Chutiman Sakulpram, Mr. Sittiporn Phrutthipibultham, and Mr. Wirawat Phosomsap, inspected the sluice gate and pumping station at the canal's mouth. Their objective was to monitor water management efforts, expedite the drainage of floodwaters into the Chao Phraya River, and alleviate public suffering caused by polluted water, as directed by Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
Drainage operations involve both opening sluice gates for natural water flow and using pumps. The pumping operation is adjusted based on the Chao Phraya River’s water level. When the river's level is lower than the canal's, sluice gates are opened to enhance drainage naturally. Conversely, when the river's level is higher, the gates are closed to prevent backflow, and all 16 pumps operate at full capacity to remove water efficiently.
Additionally, 164 mobile pumps and water propulsion units have been deployed to accelerate drainage from the eastern floodplains. These include 99 mobile pumps and 65 water propulsion units, with 40 units installed in the Bang Pakong River and another 25 in main canals, improving drainage efficiency while minimizing impact on upstream and downstream communities.
To tackle pollution in the Rangsit Prayursak Canal, the department, in collaboration with the Department of Land Development, has dispersed 5,000 liters of wastewater treatment agent at the canal's pumping station. This initiative aims to treat wastewater, reduce black water and foul odors, and accelerate floodwater drainage, thus mitigating the effect on local residents' livelihoods.
Following these actions, the Director-General and his team visited the sluice gate at the end of Drainage Canal No. 2 in Prachatipat Subdistrict, Thanyaburi District, to evaluate solutions to the water pollution problem. Plans include increasing upstream water inflow to dilute polluted water and installing two 42-inch Hydroflow pumps to enhance circulation and expedite polluted water drainage, ultimately improving water quality and reducing foul odors.