NAKHON RATCHASIMA, March 4 (TNA) – Nakhon Ratchasima province is grappling with an earlier-than-expected drought, prompting the provincial governor to issue urgent measures across all 32 districts.
The primary concern is securing sufficient water for consumption and tap water production, as major reservoirs are running critically low.
Governor Chaiwat Chuenkosum outlined four key areas of focus: ensuring drinking water and tap water supply, managing agricultural water use, maintaining ecological balance in waterways, and allocating water for industrial needs.
He urged farmers to refrain from cultivating off-season rice and instead opt for less water-intensive crops.
The situation is particularly dire at Lam Takhong Reservoir in Si Khio district, which is at only 15.12% of its capacity, holding just 44 million cubic meters of usable water out of a total capacity of 314 million cubic meters. Other major reservoirs in the province, including Lam Phra Phloeng, Mun Bon, and Lam Chae, are also below 50% capacity.
Meanwhile, in the northeaster province of Khon Kaen, recent rainfall has brought some relief. Ubolratana Reservoir in Khon Kaen remains at a healthy 52% capacity, with ample water reserves expected to last through the dry season.
However, Buriram province is facing severe water shortages, with 26 villages affected by prolonged dry spells since late last year. Local authorities in Sakae Phrong subdistrict are distributing water daily to alleviate the hardship, particularly in 10 villages lacking piped water access. The Sakae Phrong Subdistrict Administration Organization (SAO) is calling on the government to allocate funds for expanding village waterworks and dredging water sources to address the long-term drought problem. -819 (TNA)
