Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi has ruled out the possibility of floods in Bangkok, saying the rainy season this year is coming late as forecast.
In this Saturday’s government talk show, Mr. Plodprasob disclosed that the combined amount of water in major dams was one percent lower than that of last year. The dams are still able to store up to 7,000 million cubic meters of water.
The Minister revealed that all canals had been dredged up and dikes had been built around them. Existing embankments have also been strengthened, particularly those at the Rangsit Prayoonsak Canal. Therefore, a chance of flooding in Bangkok could be close to nil.
The government has already spent THB25 bil from its THB350 bil flood prevention budget. Most of the cash has been used in the improvement of road conditions, the dredging of canals, and the construction of flood ways and dams to prevent inundation in the capital and nearby provinces.
Although the capital is likely safe from floods, Mr. Plodprasop admitted that other provinces in the Chao Phraya River Basin, such as Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Chainat, Nakhon Sawan, Suphan Buri and Ayutthaya may be partly inundated. However, prevention plans have been made for business areas in these provinces.
The Minister said that more than 200 close-circuit cameras had been installed at business and populated areas so that the government could monitor the situation more closely and alert people to any irregularities promptly.
The government has also invited foreign experts to share their flood-prevention plans. Only the most suitable ones will be chosen for implementation.
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Dredging Today Staff, May 21, 2012;