BANGKOK: The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives sets up a ‘war room’ or an ad-hoc operational centre to tackle the current drought crisis, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.
Agriculture Minister Krisada Boonrat ordered the Royal Irrigation Department be the main agency to map out the comprehensive water management plan for the dry season.
The centre will report the updated situation to the minister every Monday.
The water management plan will cover water for consumption, preservation of the ecosystem, agricultural and industrial purposes.
Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute expect this year’s drought to prolong and the temperature will be much warmer, compared to several decades ago.
Provincial authorities will survey natural water resources, dams and reservoirs nationwide and forecast water demand for consumption and agricultural purposes.
A contingency plan will be prepared for drought crisis. Water supply will be reserved for use until July in case of delayed rainy season. – Bernama
