Bangkok: The Royal Irrigation Department is taking steps to manage water flow in the Chao Phraya-Pa Sak basin to mitigate flooding in Ayutthaya Province. The Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department has conducted an inspection of the water situation at the Rama VI Dam, ordering a reduction in water discharge from both the Pa Sak Dam and Rama VI Dams. This measure aims to facilitate drainage from the lower Chao Phraya River and reduce the impact of flooding in low-lying areas of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suriyapol Nuchonong, the Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, is closely monitoring the water situation in the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak river basins to alleviate issues in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Water is currently released from the Chao Phraya Dam at a rate of 1,900 cubic meters per second, with water volume at Station C.2 in Mueang District, Nakhon Sawan Province, flowing at 2,060 cubic meters per second and still increasing.
The Meteorological Department forecasts continued heavy rainfall in upper Thailand until September 15th, particularly affecting the North, Central, and Northeastern regions. This will increase water flow into the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak Jolasid river basins. The Royal Irrigation Department is managing upstream water by retaining it north of the Chao Phraya Dam and diverting it into irrigation systems. This strategy aims to minimize downstream impacts, although areas outside the primary watercourses will remain affected, including Khlong Phong Pheng in Ang Thong Province and several subdistricts in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
To manage water flow effectively, the department has begun reducing water discharge from the Pasak Jolasid Dam from 200 to 150 cubic meters per second as of September 8th. This reduction aims to decrease water flow to the Rama VI Dam and facilitate Chao Phraya River drainage, joining the Pa Sak River in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The water will also be released into tributaries to minimize impacts on agriculture and downstream communities. If rainfall into the Pasak Jolasid Dam is insufficient, further reduction to 100 cubic meters per second is planned.
For long-term solutions, the Royal Irrigation Department has established guidelines to improve water drainage efficiency. This involves enhancing the Phraya Banlue and Raphiphat canals' capacity and constructing a new diversion canal between the Pa Sak and Chao Phraya rivers. These measures aim to sustainably manage water volumes and address flooding.