BANGKOK, 21 July 2015 – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has confirmed the government is laying down a long-term plan on integrated water management in an attempt to avert drought problems in the future.
Following the Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Prayut revealed that the attendants discussed and placed importance on the prevention of drought and management of water resources in an integrated manner, agreeing to include the matter into the long-term national agenda to be implemented through the year 2026.
In the initial stage, the premier said related officials are dredging waterways and expanding reservoirs in order to increase water storage capacity and enable the irrigation system to support the agricultural sector more effectively.
As for the assistance of drought-affected farmers, the Ministry of Interior is organizing a supplementary job program for them while there is also a plan to give out compensation for the damage on crops and produce. In the meantime, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has been assigned to disseminate knowledge about the cultivation of alternative crops so as to alleviate the impact from water shortage.
Gen Prayut admitted he is concerned about the creation of understanding among the people regarding the government’s reduction of water discharge from reservoirs during the drought crisis, saying it is part of the measure to ensure sustainable water supply for the country. He also asked agriculturists to have trust in the government’s ability to take care of them.
