Maps coming to show where the water goes
The Office of the National Water Resources will by 2021 be distributing a water-flow “map” that both state officials and citizens can use to better manage resources during drought and floods as well as under normal conditions.
General secretary Somkiat Prajumwong said the map will use the Chanthaburi River basin as a model.
“Our office and Kasetsart University have together studied the creation of water-flow maps, including guidelines, methods and layout to meet standards that will make this one useful in any river basin in the country,” he said.
“It contains information of current water-flow directions, topography, economic and social development in the given area and climate change effects.”
Somkiat believes the map will help in setting policy and drawing up master plans that cover project and infrastructure development, ensuring that streams are not unnecessarily blocked.
“This map can be linked to city maps to form a framework for land and water-resource utilisation,” he added.
“We expect that the National Water Resources Committee will ultimately announce plans for maps covering all river basins.”