Making waves: ONWR dives into final stretch of water plans
The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) is racing to wrap up its ambitious water management plans across 22 river basins this year, as revealed by its Secretary General, Surasee Kittimonthon. The countdown is on as the agency pushes to safeguard the nation’s vital waterways.
Already ahead in the game, the ONWR has finalised strategies for the lower southern basin and the Chi River basin, both proudly published in the Royal Gazette on February 6. Meanwhile, a committee helmed by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong has greenlit additional plans for the Sakae Krang, Wang, and Nan river basins. With 17 more basins in the queue, ONWR aims to have them all ticked off by year’s end.
These detailed plans are rooted in a master scheme launched in 2020, initially intended to wrap up within two years. Yet, progress has faced hiccups along the way, notably due to challenges in gathering thorough data from both primary and secondary sources. Successful completion hinges on meticulous data analysis and comprehensive surveys of each region.
The crux of this massive data collection includes scrutinising physical conditions, land use, urban development, infrastructure systems, and past flood devastations. The Covid-19 pandemic threw a wrench in progress from 2020 to 2022, stalling essential fieldwork and public consultations.
After overcoming these setbacks, ONWR is now in overdrive, striving to stick as closely as possible to its original timeline, reported Bangkok Post.
According to Surasee, the innovative water maps born from these plans are destined to be a game-changer, meticulously managing water flows in both arid and rainy seasons. They align seamlessly with municipal development blueprints to prevent encroachment on precious waterways.
“The water plan will clearly define which areas are reserved for waterways, without any obstructions from upstream to downstream,” Surasee declared, underscoring the critical need for clear boundaries to safeguard these vital resources.
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