Bangkok: The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is strategizing to decrease water discharge from major dams in anticipation of the upcoming dry season.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), has disclosed the latest water management plans. He stated that light rain is expected in the northern region over the next few days, marking the end of the rainy season. As inflows near discharge limits, RID has decided to reduce water release from the Sirikit Dam to initiate water storage for the dry months ahead.
During a recent meeting, agencies reviewed the current water situation. The Bhumibol Dam, which is currently discharging approximately 5 million cubic meters daily, received a request from downstream residents to increase its release to 10 million cubic meters after October 19-20, before it enters a full water storage phase.
Mr. Danucha highlighted the significance of adjusting water storage plans promptly, as Thailand will transition into the winter and summer seasons from November, requiring reliance on dam-stored water for the next 5-6 months.
Following the Prime Minister's visit to Phichit Province and the Chao Phraya Dam, the Royal Irrigation Department is accelerating efforts to drain water from fields. The current discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam is approximately 2,300 cubic meters per second, with plans to reduce this gradually to around 2,200 cubic meters per second to expedite tributary drainage.
Mr. Danucha emphasized the need for coordination with the Royal Irrigation Department to ensure reduced discharge at the Chao Phraya Dam can occur swiftly, facilitating quicker drainage of tributaries.
As the monsoon trough shifts across the southern region, relevant agencies are monitoring potential flooding. Measures are being implemented, such as the preemptive water release from the Bang Lang Dam in Yala Province, to manage the situation effectively.