ONWR to drain dams, downstream flooding likely
The Office of Natural Water Resources (ONWR) has agreed to adjust water drainage levels at the Chai Phraya Dam in Chainat province is order to cope with current conditions.
Dr Somkiat Prajamwong, secretary general of the ONWR, said several new measures were approved at the ONWR’s latest meeting.
In the case of drainage of less than 700 cubic metres per second (which does not exceed the capacity of the river nor affect the downstream area) the Royal Irrigation Department is allowed to manage water as normal without having to report or ask for permission.
But for the 700-1,500 cubic metres per second level, which could cause flooding, a report needs to be filed with the ONWR committee chaired by Deputy PM Gen Prawit Wongsuwan within 3 days.
Approval is required for 1,500-2,000 cubic metres of drainage per second 3 days in advance, in addition to a formal report, Dr Somkiat said.
For drainage over 2,000 cubic metres per second, direct approval 3 days in advance from the ONWR, which is also chaired by Gen Prawit, is required. Emergency situations can be directed to the ONWR chairman for approval.
“Draining water from 700-2,000 cubic meters per second means that downstream areas will be affected by flooding such as Khlong Phaeng Phong, Ang Thong Canal, Bang Ban District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Hua Wiang Subdistrict, Senanikom District and Hua Wiang Subdistrict, Tha Din Daeng District, Phak Hai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province,” he said.
“And if draining water at between 2,000-2,200 cubic meters per second, there will be more affected areas, including Wat Sing District, In Buri District, Mueang District, Phrom Buri District, Sing Buri District and Chai Chai Temple, Chaiyo District, Ang Thong Province. From 2,200-2,400 cubic metres per second, the affected areas are Pho Nang Kham Sub-district, Sapphaya District, Chai Nat Temple, Tiger Kham District, In Buri District, Sing Buri Province, Pa Mok District, Ang Thong Province,” Dr Somkiat said. “And if draining at more than 2,400 cubic metres per second, the affected areas will be Ban Tha Sai, Sapphaya District, Chai Nat District, In Buri Subdistrict, In Buri District, Sing Buri District, and Dhevaraj Subdistrict, Chaiyo District, Ang Thong Province.”