Bangkok: The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has initiated efforts to reduce water discharge from the upper dam, aiming to alleviate the ongoing flooding in the Chao Phraya Basin. With rainfall on a declining trend, the department is coordinating with various sectors to manage water flow effectively.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Paitoon Kengkarnchang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), stated that a recent meeting brought together the RID, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and other relevant agencies. They have collectively decided to decrease water discharges from major upper dams. This strategic move is expected to limit water influx into the Chao Phraya River, thereby reducing flooding impacts in the provinces of Sing Buri, Ang Thong, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
The Bhumibol Dam has seen a decrease in water inflow, with current discharges reduced from 50 million cubic meters per day to 45 million cubic meters per day. EGAT has been tasked with adjusting discharge levels to align with inflow volumes, ensuring the dam's storage remains at optimal levels.
This initiative is projected to lower the Ping River's water level by 10-15 centimeters, impacting areas from Sam Ngao District in Tak Province to Banphot Phisai District in Nakhon Sawan Province, and subsequently reducing water entering the Chao Phraya River.
Other significant dams, such as Sirikit, Kwai Noi, and Pa Sak Dams, have also reduced their discharge rates in response to the decreasing rainfall. Sirikit Dam now releases 5.06 million cubic meters per day, while Kwai Noi Bamrung Daen Dam maintains a discharge rate close to its inflow at 5.18 million cubic meters per day. The Pasak Jolasid Dam discharges 8.05 million cubic meters per day, exceeding its inflow, which helps manage water flow into the Pasak River and further into the Chao Phraya River.
Mr. Paitoon emphasized that reducing water discharge is a crucial step for the RID to effectively manage water downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam, accelerating flood resolution in long-affected areas.
Water management models suggest that reducing Bhumibol Dam's discharge by 10-15 million cubic meters daily could lower downstream water levels by 10-25 centimeters. If upstream discharge is reduced by over 100 cubic meters per second, the Chao Phraya River's water level between Singburi and Ang Thong could drop by 20-25 centimeters.
Currently, the Chao Phraya Dam's discharge rate is at 2,755 cubic meters per second, down from 2,800 cubic meters per second the previous day, with expectations to decrease further as Northern water inflows diminish.
Projections indicate that with optimal discharge reductions, the RID could lower the Chao Phraya Dam's discharge to 2,400-2,700 cubic meters per second between November 20-24, resulting in a 40-75 centimeter decrease in the river's water level.
Mr. Paitoon assured the public of the main dam's stability and robustness, with over 90% capacity maintained and all systems regularly inspected to meet safety standards.