Irrigation Dept Launches Dry Season Water Plan Nationwide

The Royal Irrigation Department commenced dry season water management on November 1 following the end of rainy season operations on October 31. Sanit Tem-iam, irrigation engineering specialist and deputy director-general, chaired a meeting of the water situation monitoring and analysis working group with relevant agencies to track water volumes and align management plans with local conditions at the department's Smart Water Operations Center.

Sanit revealed the plan focuses on allocating water according to available volumes and sectoral demand while reserving supplies for the start of the 2070 rainy season, which carries risks of dry spells in May through July. Water allocation priorities place domestic consumption and ecosystem maintenance first, followed by agriculture, industry, and other activities, coupled with reserves for early rainy season needs.

For the Chao Phraya basin, the department is gradually reducing discharge through the Chao Phraya Dam, currently at 700 cubic meters per second, with further reductions possible based on water trends to minimize downstream impacts and maintain basin-wide balance. Meanwhile, the department continues addressing flood aftermath from the past rainy season that affected 62 provinces. Although most areas have recovered, 11 provinces remain affected, with integrated agency efforts deploying machinery, pumps, and personnel to accelerate drainage and assist residents until normalcy returns.

The department will closely monitor rainfall, climate conditions, and El Niño risks that could affect precipitation, adjusting allocation and reserve plans accordingly, while urging all sectors to conserve water to ensure sufficient supplies throughout the 2069/70 dry season.