Udon thani: Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, visited Udon Thani's Ban Sam Phrao sluice gate to address water management issues and the challenges of flooding and drought. Despite experiencing fatigue the previous night, Suriya pledged his commitment to tackling these concerns.
According to Thai News Agency, Suriya's visit was supported by Deputy Minister Watcharaphol Khaokham and other officials. The minister received applause from government officials and citizens upon arrival, signaling strong local support. He emphasized the importance of systematic water management, which is crucial for urban communities, agricultural lands, and educational institutions in the Sam Phrao subdistrict.
Suriya stressed that water management should incorporate insights from local leaders and residents, beyond central government planning. He noted that the Ban Sam Phrao Weir system struggles with flood control due to its overflow design, affecting both urban and agricultural areas. Meanwhile, the dry season necessitates improved water storage.
The Royal Irrigation Department reported plans to enhance the area's water management system with an 800 million baht budget request for 2028-2029. This plan includes constructing a 500 million baht pumping station and a 300 million baht sluice gate/weir to boost flood drainage and water storage.
Suriya reiterated the project's goal to reduce flood risks while enhancing water storage for agriculture and urban growth. He instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to expedite surveys and designs, integrating local input on stream dredging and bridge expansion to improve drainage.
The department was also urged to collaborate with local entities to ensure operations align with community needs, and to keep the public informed on water management plans, particularly before rainy and dry seasons.
Suriya underscored the significance of water issues and urged agencies to act swiftly yet cautiously to deliver tangible benefits to the public.