BANGKOK, 10 February 2013 The government has commenced its work on the establishment of the “Ministry of Water”, as proposed by Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said that as relevant government units are still conducting the studies related to the setting up of the Ministry of Water, no conclusion has been reached yet.
Ms. Yingluck stated that more remain to be done, especially the analyses of the pros and cons of the initiative, while stressing the importance of a completely integrated water management for the country, from upstream to midstream and downstream areas.
Regarding the drought situation in the Northeast, the Premier said that the Royal Irrigation Department has been asked to help look into the problem.
The PM conceded that there has been less rainfall since the drought season started while artificial rainmaking has already been implemented in areas hit by the dry spell, when possible.
In addition, Ms. Yingluck said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been supervising the use of underground water and the supply of water from various sources to those in need.
The Prime Minister also confirmed there would be sufficient water for consumption but more would be needed for agricultural use.
