In Lop Buri province, the Pasak Jolasid Dam faces a dire situation as its reservoir dwindles to a mere 15% of capacity, posing grave concerns for both agricultural and ecological sustainability. According to Chupong Isarat, director of the Pasak Jolasid Dam Water Distribution and Maintenance Project, the current water level of about 148 million cubic meters necessitates a drastic reduction in discharge rates to ensure water availability for the next four months. The Royal Irrigation Department plans to scale back water releases from 3.4 million to 1.3 million cubic meters per day starting this week, aiming to conserve the dwindling resource.
While measures are in place to manage the remaining water for consumption, irrigation, and ecological preservation, prolonged drought conditions could exacerbate the situation. Chupong Isarat underscores the potential need for cloud seeding operations by the Royal Rain-making and Agricultural Aviation Department if the drought persists. Moreover, farmers are advised to postpone planting the next rice crop until the onset of the rainy season to mitigate risks of water scarcity jeopardizing their yields.
The Pasak Jolasid Dam reservoir serves as a critical water source for agricultural lands in the Chao Phraya river basin, often referred to as the country’s rice bowl. As water levels dwindle, the livelihoods of countless farmers hang in the balance, highlighting the urgency of sustainable water management strategies in the face of escalating climate challenges.
