Water stored at Ubonrat Dam at critical level

BANGKOK, March 17 (TNA) -- Water stored at Ubonrat Dam in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen is now at the critical level and water discharge for consumption from the dam would last another 23 days, said Suthep Noipairoj, director-general of Royal Irrigation Department (RID). With the severe drought now hitting several provinces, Mr Suthep said water now released from Ubonrat Dam is about 500,000 cubic metres for consumption only and water stored at the dam would last another 23 days. After that, the RID has no alternative but to discharge water from the dead storage of the dam for consumption, he said. People in the region have to help in conserving water so that there would be sufficient water until July, or when the monsoon season arrives. Meanwhile, combined water currently stored at four other major dams in Thailand -- Bhumibol, Sirikit, Kwae Noi Bamrungdan and Pasak Chonlasit -- stands at only 2,694 million cubic metres which is also enough until this July, Mr Suthep said. On rice growing in the Chao Phraya River basin, farmers are still awaiting to harvest off-season rice covering in about 626,000 rai, still less than last year. And if every sector joins in using water economically, there would be no need to discharge water from the dead storage of the dams as many people worried, Mr Suthep added. (TNA)