Water diversion for farming purpose

BANGKOK, July 1 (TNA) -- The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has cooperated with the army in diverting water from a canal on the outskirt of the northern province of Chiang Mai and reserve it in reservoirs for farming purposes during the upcoming summer season. Somkiat Prajamwong, deputy director-general of the RID, said his office in Chiang Mai has joined hands with the provincial army in diverting water from Mae Taeng canal during the current rainy season and stored it in reservoirs in Chiang Mai. Total water which could be stored is approximately 1.1 million cubic metres, said Mr Somkiat. The stored water will be used by farmers during summer season next year. If the programme succeeded, the RID will implement it in other provinces which encounter a similar problem, he said. Also, the RID has another plan for Mae Taeng canal to store water flowing from Doi Suthep, and building a wall along two brooks to prevent flooding in the city during rainy season. (TNA)