THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Prawit worried about drought in EEC

Prawit worried about drought in EEC

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan expressed concern over the drought in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) after visiting Dok Krai Reservoir in Rayong province on Monday (August 24).

The eastern region’s reservoirs are down to 42 per cent capacity and hold only 1.15 billion cubic metres of usable water, according to Samroeng Sangphuwong, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the National Water Resources.

Meanwhile, the six dams feeding the EEC – Bang Pra, Nong Kho, Nong Plalai, Dok Sai, Prasae and Klong Yai – are down to just 264 million cubic metres of usable water.

Water demand in the EEC is currently about 2.4 billion cubic metres per year but is forecast to reach 3.09 billion cubic metres in 2037.

The rainy season is expected to fill three EEC reservoirs to 46 per cent capacity but water will be managed according to 12 urgent drought-relief measures announced earlier by Prawit.

The Office of the National Water Resources is assigning four task forces to create plans and measures to manage resources effectively and ensure sustainable usage to protect industrial development in the EEC.

A total of 38 water development plans for 2020-2037 are being implemented to increase capacity in the East by 87 million cubic metres.

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