Water management has been neglected for too long

Did it mean that Thais should pray for the rain or is there something wrong in the way we manage our water resources? 

Because of the severe drought, the Cabinet on Tuesday decided to reduce the water released from four major dams to 18 million cubic metres from 28 million cubic metres a day. But this will mean there will be no water for farmlands – including around 3.2 million rai (512,000 hectares) of rice fields in 22 provinces in the Chao Phraya River Basin. 

In 2011, we encountered nationwide floods, which inflicted damage estimated at more than Bt100 billion. There were also conflicts between communities in neighbouring areas, especially when overseen by politicians from different political parties, in efforts to prevent their areas from flooding. Bangkok and its surrounding areas also experienced this kind of conflict. 

Of course, Bangkok, as the capital, is always in the safe zone whenever there is a crisis.

This year’s drought is partly caused by El Nino. However, our water-management methods leave a lot to be desired. There does not seem to be any well-managed plan to deal with the drought even though there were signs of such a possibility as early as last year. 

Areas where the government has been lax in taking actions are releasing too much water from the dams, not seriously stopping rice farming by offering clear-cut compensation, not preparing enough artesian wells, and not dredging the canals and rivers. 

The Prayut Chan-o-cha administration’s recent suggestion to increase the number of wells in farmlands to 200,000 from 56,000 is a very good idea to store rainwater in the short term. This idea should be applied to farmlands all over the country, supported by local administrations in cooperation with the communities.

Actually, Thailand has many committees overseeing water management, especially in a crisis. Sadly, the water situation in the country remains poorly managed whether it is a flood situation or a drought.

Bangkok’s residents are fortunate to get better treatment than citizens in other areas. But has the capital city’s governor kept the people informed about the impact of the drought and how citizens could make a contribution by cutting their water consumption?

Up to now, many people in Bangkok have not changed their consumption habits except for flocking to superstores to buy up heaps of bottled drinking water. 

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra should do more than just convey to Bangkokians that there is no reason for them to panic or make assurances that they do not face a shortage of tap water, especially while thousands of people living outside the capital are facing a shortage of tap water.

All Thais, especially the people of Bangkok, should open their eyes to the reality that the drought is critical and there should be a campaign by the authorities on dos and don’ts to deal with the drought in daily life.

It is also important that water management be firmly placed on the national agenda and included in the country’s master plan for economic and social development. If proper water management is achieved, it may not matter whether we pray for rain or not.