Thursday (November 11), the meeting of the steering sub-committee of the national water management master plan decided to make adjustments to the national water master plan over 20 years, in order to increase the storage areas. water sources that should contribute to sustainable flood and drought mitigation.

The meeting reviewed the progress reports since 2018, with respect to the 20-year master plan. Progress in the development or restoration of 13 water deceleration zones has exceeded 80%, as have projects to improve drinking water systems in 4,675 villages. Progress in the development of groundwater sources to provide the agricultural sector with 118 million cubic meters of water has reached 64%. Progress in the development of new water retention sites, regulation works and water supply reached 34%.

Yet there were delays in some aspects of the master plan, such as improving the efficiency of water sources and establishing urban flood prevention systems.

The meeting then approved the adjustment of the framework of the 20-year National Water Master Plan, on issues such as household water supplies, synergy between water source development and agricultural mapping and studies on climate change with the aim of improving the master plan.

The meeting also followed up on General Prawit’s previous mandates for developing water sources at the community level, improving the “water budget” or balancing water in and out of a waterway. system, flood and foul water control, and surveying areas to locate potential high groundwater sources. (NNT)