BANGKOK, 3 July 2015 – The Irrigation Department says its rain-making operations have paid off, adding water to four main dams each day.
Since March 1, the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation has conducted 3,100 cloud-seeding operations, bringing rainfalls in 95 percent of target areas. Seven million cubic meters are added to four main dams along the Chao Phraya River daily. The Department has also planned to expand its rain-making mission in Chiang Mai and Nakhon Sawan provinces upon the suggestion of His Majesty the King.
Despite the missions’ success, the Irrigation Department insisted on its plan to limit water supplies to no more than 28 million cubic meters per day, while calling on consumers to continue saving water as the situation remains critical. Meanwhile, the Groundwater Resources Department is expediting its search for more underground water sources, in addition to the 200 newly-dug wells.
Farmers in drought-hit areas have been told to delay cultivation until August. Affected farmers have been urged to apply for temporary jobs under the government’s income creation
