“Water” is one of the country's most important resources.

From being a major component in almost every kind of human activity.

Both consumption, agriculture, livestock, as well as applications to drive the economy in various fields.

It is therefore extremely important to monitor the water situation and prepare for the “cost water” to be sufficient for the people's use.

Royal Irrigation Department

As an agency directly responsible for water resources

and have an uplifting vision to be

“A smart organization that aims to create water security (Water Security) to increase service value by 2037” has been continuously implementing strategic operations to achieve such goals, such as developing water sources and increasing irrigation areas according to their potential. Basin-based Approach, Integrated Water Management Efficiency

according to the purposes of water use, prevention of damage and support of mitigation caused by water,

networking

and the participation (Networking and Participation) of all sectors in managing irrigation water at the area level (Networking Collaboration Participation), which these concepts have become the cornerstone of various projects.

that the Royal Irrigation Department has done

Including the mega-projects that we will talk about in this article, which may be a big turning point that will truly lift Thailand's water security security to the next level.

The project was named

, which will divert excess water from the Yuam and Moei rivers in the rainy season that does not flow into the Salween River to be stored in the Bhumibol Dam Reservoir.

to use water in the dry season for maximum benefit

This project is a very big and challenging project.

But if successful, what advantages will occur?

let's follow together

"Nam Yuam Dam", the key to filling the water cost

increase economic opportunities

elevate lifestyle

“Bhumibol Dam Water Increasing Project

Mae Hong Son Province” is directly related to the management of “cost water” where cost water means the country's water resources that are allocated for use in various activities, including consumption, agriculture, industry and preserving the ecosystem.

The Royal Irrigation Department is the main agency in collecting water and managing water costs efficiently and sufficiently to meet the needs of each activity.

By planning to manage the cost of water during the rainy season and reserve it for use during the dry season on a regular basis in every

years to balance

The information states that

The amount of water in the Bhumibol Dam reservoir has an average annual volume of 5,642 million cubic meters from the full capacity of 9,662 million cubic meters, which is considered unstable and may cause a risk of water shortage in the Pi River area. Lower Nan, Lower Nan and Chao Phraya Projects

which is an important economic area of ​​the country

It has an irrigation area of ​​over 10 million rai and is also an industrial and tourism area.

Water is used in various activities.

in large quantities

The lack of water will have a huge impact on the overall picture of the country. Therefore, many projects that can help alleviate the situation are put on the table.

The most promising project is to divert water from the Yuam River, just 61.52 kilometers away, to fill the Bhumibol Dam reservoir.

from the assessment

Water from the Yuam River that can be diverted will have an average volume of 1,795.25 million cubic meters per year, which when combined with the amount of water at the original cost will make the Bhumibol Dam Reservoir have a water volume of up to 7,437 million cubic meters. The ensuing sequel will not only increase stability.

But it also helps to reduce the problem of saltwater intrusion during the dry season at Sam Lae Raw Water Pumping Plant, Pathum Thani Province, which causes problems in the pumping system and incurs a lot of repair costs.

But diversion helps dilute the salt water.

make the cost less

The project has also produced positive results in other areas.

many more

both in terms of lifestyle and economic value that will increase

agriculture

There is a study indicating that

The production of farmers in irrigated areas is more stable and higher than those of non-irrigated farmers.

Clearly point out that with access and enough water.

Production and farm income will increase.

That is to say, having a project will allow farmers in the project area to have higher household incomes.

In addition, people who live outside the agricultural sector also have higher incomes.

From the sale of agricultural products, consumer products, services, because when farmers earn more, they will consume or use services.

or expand investment

It is estimated that the planting area in the dry season in the Kamphaeng Phet and Chao Phraya Yai projects can be increased to 1,610,026 rai.

Fisheries and ecosystems

In order to divert water from the Yuam River to the Bhumibol Dam Reservoir, the “Nam Yuam Dam” will be built approximately 13.8 kilometers above the confluence of the Moei River, or in the area between Sop Moei District, Mae Hong Son Province. and Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province. The dam will have a height of 69.50 meters, a width of a dam crest of 9 meters, and a length of a dam crest of 260 meters. The construction of this dam will create a large reservoir, size 2,075 rai, capable of storing water. year round

Conducive to fish breeding and releasing fish to people in the area to catch for consumption or to generate income.

The preliminary study found that the average yield of fish was about 8.5 kilograms per rai.

or a total of about 17,

638 kg per year

Not only in terms of productivity, but also in balancing the reservoir ecosystem.

In addition, when the flood season

Some of the fish will go downstream into the Moei River.

Some will swim into the upper Yuam River, Nam Ngao and its connected tributaries.

Resulting in increased fish production in various rivers, which in parts outside the watershed area, class 1 and outside the national reserved forest, people will be able to catch aquatic animals freely.

power generation

The amount of cost water in Bhumibol Dam, after combining with the water diverted, will be as high as 7,437 million cubic meters, resulting in an increase in electricity generation potential of 417 million units per year.

The advantage is that the production of electricity in this section will not have additional costs. In addition, the production of more electricity will allow EGAT to save some of the cost of electricity generation from natural gas (LPG), which will Ft charges are reduced, which will greatly ease the cost burden for the people.

Tourism

The dam line and surrounding areas have always been a popular landmark for nature lovers.

Because if anyone who has ever been to appreciate the majesty of the dam

or the infinite beauty of the reservoir once

will surely be impressed until you want to come back to visit often

This project will allow the Doi Tao Lake area, which is usually visited by a large number of tourists only during the watery months (July-January), to be open all year round, even when it used to be. It's a dry season.

From the data it was found that at present the operator has an average income of 10.52 million baht per year, but when there is a project, the income will increase to 15.28 million baht per year.

In addition, in the area of ​​Nam Yuam Dam

The surrounding landscape will be improved to make it a tourist attraction that will attract more travelers to visit and spread the word.

which is expected to be able to generate income from this part as much as 4.32 million baht per year, as well as helping local development

Opportunities to create jobs, create new careers.

Helping the community grow

Continuing to develop and study the impact

There are a number of concerns involved in planning each dam.

especially in terms of the impact on the environment at the project site

However, in this regard, the Royal Irrigation Department has disclosed information in terms of planning, monitoring and remediating the impact that will occur so that the public is constantly aware.

Especially in matters of forests and wildlife that are closely studied and monitored.

There is a plan that is prepared to coordinate with the Forest Department to consider looking for areas that

Suitable for reforestation in the amount of 2 times or 7,284 rai according to the guidelines of the Royal Forest Department.

It will be divided into 3 phases, ready to make a fire break line and maintain it continuously for 9 years, including studying various guidelines.

for the movement of wildlife in the area, such as access to habitats for rescue and migration,

pushing for a safe natural evacuation

and establishing strict anti-poaching standards

in the aquatic animal

The innovative vibrating tunnel will be used to sort fish species to prevent fish from entering the pumping area.

Especially fish and fish roe.

The story of the "Bhumibol Dam Water Increasing Project in Mae Hong Son Province" that is moving forward according to this plan is an interesting issue and worth following both in terms of the benefits that will occur that will help develop the country as a whole in the future. various aspects

Including the part that needs to be studied continuously, such as ways to replace and replenish the nature that may be lost for the project.

However, with various knowledge

that we have more

and the combination of power from a team of experts

It may be comforting to some extent that the impact will be kept to a minimum.

and will be replaced reasonably.

Including the money invested will be transformed into a worthwhile result.

can create enormous benefits as has been studied

For those interested in this issue

can be followed further in the article summarizing the academic seminar “'Yes' or 'Losing'. Open to all perspectives.

answer all questions

Yuam Water Diversion Project” by the Royal Irrigation Department

that these experts on water resources

and stakeholders will come together to discuss and exchange insights about the project.

to find out together how this project can benefit us all.