Bangkok: The Royal Irrigation Department announced a gradual reduction in water discharge rates from the Chao Phraya Dam following a slowdown in water levels from the North. Meanwhile, the Sirikit Dam plays a crucial role in supporting water in the Nan River Basin and mitigating impacts on the lower Central region. The Department also maintains a proactive water management plan during the rainy season.
According to Thai News Agency, the Smart Water Operations Center of the Royal Irrigation Department reported the water situation in the Chao Phraya River at Station C.2, Mueang District, Nakhon Sawan Province, with a water flow rate of 1,148 cubic meters per second, and a water level of 20.35 meters (5 meters below the bank). The trend of water levels continuing to decrease has resulted in a gradual decrease in water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam, currently discharging at 750 cubic meters per second.
The Royal Irrigation Department stated that water management upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam is being managed by diverting water into the irrigation system on both sides of the canal to its full capacity, minimizing impacts on downstream areas. However, some areas outside the embankment are still affected by the overflowing water levels in Ang Thong and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya provinces.
Meanwhile, the Sirikit Dam, the main dam in the Nan River Basin, continues to serve as a reservoir for water from the upper northern region, effectively slowing and mitigating the impact on the lower basin areas of Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Nakhon Sawan provinces. Currently, rainfall in the upstream areas has steadily decreased, and the situation is beginning to improve.
The Royal Irrigation Department, in collaboration with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), is closely monitoring rainfall and water levels, along with the Meteorological Department and the Hydro-Informatics Institute (Public Organization) to plan appropriate water releases from the Sirikit Dam, particularly during the heavy rainy season. Therefore, water releases have been adjusted to avoid impacts on downstream areas and to provide reservoir storage space for the dry season.