Residents challenge dams, flood master plan
A network of residents from provinces in the Mae Yom River basin yesterday came out against four executive decrees enabling a new water and flood management master plan, which recommends dusting off the controversial Kaeng Sua Ten dam project in Phrae pro
Network leader, Wutthichai Srikhampha, said the group also opposed another dam project - Mae Wong planned for Uthai Thani. He said both dams, which would cost Bt50 billion, could trap two billion cubic metres of water, while Thailand already had 40 large dams and 2,000 smaller ones.
The group also proposed ideas to solve the annual flooding problem, including placing the restoration and conservation of water-producing forests on the national agenda, along with building medium and small sized reservoirs at all 77 tributaries of the Yom River.
"These reservoirs, which have a joint capacity threefold that of the Kaeng Sua Ten in total, could initially trap the rainwater locally and later drain it gradually," he said. There should also be a policy to promote a ‘one tambon one reservoir’ scheme elsewhere to trap rainwater locally and use it for irrigation, said Wutthichai.
Meanwhile, deputy Bangkok governor Theerachon Manomaiphibool has blamed political rivalry and the poor standard of flood and water management officials as the main reasons behind the flood crisis last year.
In a 16-chapter pocketbook, he questioned the Yingluck government and its Flood Relief Operations Centre's policy. He said it protected farmland in the Central plains, which eventually failed, but neglected measures to save industrial estates and Bangkok, which resulted in billions of baht lost in property damage and reduced business profits.
Democrat Party-affiliated Theerachon blamed the Pheu Thai-led government for setting up barriers along the east-west Rapheephat and Rangsit Canals to protect their constituencies. They resulted in the floodwaters rolling westward to Nonthaburi, and flooding northern parts of Bangkok, including Don Mueang, in the process.
Asked about ideas to cope with flooding next year, Theerachon said good management by people with true knowledge in water and flood management was crucial. His Majesty the King's long-standing projects and suggestions should be also taken into consideration and put into effect.
