Mekong Eye - News, analysis and opinion focusing on the environment and sustainability of the Mekong region
National News Bureau of Thailand
30 March 2016 at 9:47  (Updated on 28 November 2020 at 11:44)
Thai News
The Royal Irrigation Department has confirmed that the public sector is trying to increase water volumes in the country especially by diverting water from the Mekong river to drought-hit areas.
Expert from the Royal Irrigation Department Sanya Saengphumphong said the department was conducting a study on how to divert water from the Mekong for use and building temporary pumping stations with the capacity of 40 million cubic meters. The pumping stations are expected to benefit more than 10,000 Rai of drought-hit areas. The pumping stations will be upgraded into permanent ones with the capacity of 100 million cubic meters in 2017.
The department also had a plan to divert water from the Moei and Salween rivers in Myanmar into the Bhumibol dam in Thailand, said the expert.
Mr. Sanya however expressed concerns over the nation’s water situation although the department’s latest water management plan would ensure sufficient water until July this year. The department therefore had to continue monitoring water use especially by waterside communities, said Mr. Sanya.