Nakhon Nayok:Recommendations for managing water at Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam have drawn attention due to potential flooding risks in the city. Academics emphasize that any decision to delay water release must account for the water supply from Khao Yai National Park, advocating for fact-based water resource management and transparency with the public.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chavalit Chantararat, director of Team Group and president of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Thailand, discussed the government's directive to temporarily slow water discharge at Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam in Nakhon Nayok province. This move is intended to mitigate flooding. However, academics have voiced opposition, citing concerns about structural safety. Mr. Chantararat noted that the dam, originally planned to be larger, was constructed smaller due to opposition, which has led to capacity issues during heavy rainfall.
Mr. Chavalit explained that Khun Dan Dam, a concrete structure with a large spillway, requires careful management of water release. Decisions must consider the inflow into the dam and the water level in the Khao Yai ravine. The Royal Irrigation Department possesses relevant data, and if conditions allow, the water release can be slowed. Decisions should be data-driven, ensuring appropriate water management.
Currently, the water level in the Hell's Gorge reservoir remains high, necessitating gradual water release from the dam, which has reached maximum capacity. This action is expected to impact downstream areas, including Mueang Nakhon Nayok district, Ban Tha Hub, and extending to Ban Sang district in Prachinburi province. These areas already experience water from the Prachinburi River, and further release from the dam could affect regions as far as Bang Khla in Mueang district and Paed Riow in Chachoengsao.
Mr. Chavalit addressed concerns about the dam's structural integrity when the reservoir is full and water release is halted, suggesting that overflow could occur. The Royal Irrigation Department, equipped with monitoring instruments, should evaluate the risk. He stressed the importance of managing the water based on facts and keeping the public informed.
In a related issue, water from Wichai Buri and Si Thep districts in Phetchabun province has reached the Pasak Chonlasit Dam, necessitating controlled sluice gate openings at a rate of 400 cubic meters per second. This approach differs from 2011, when water was released at 800 cubic meters per second.