Lampang: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao inspected the progress of water resource development projects in Lampang Province, focusing on the Wang River Ban Lao Watergate Project in Lom Raet Subdistrict, Thoen District. This initiative aims to tackle the persistent flooding and drought issues impacting the local population through dredging the Wang River, bolstering its banks, and implementing comprehensive water management strategies.
According to Thai News Agency, Lampang Province faces both overflowing riverbanks during the rainy season and water shortages in the dry season due to the shallowing of the Wang River from accumulated sediment and unmaintained tributaries. Tens of thousands of farm households suffer repeated damage, necessitating urgent structural interventions aligned with the provincial agricultural development plan.
The issue of agricultural land in forest and national park areas, where many villagers encounter restricted land use rights, has led to conflicts with government officials. Resolving this issue is crucial to preventing disruptions to farmers’ livelihoods. Additionally, the fluctuating prices of major cash crops such as rice, corn, and cassava have prompted the Ministry of Agriculture to expedite income stabilization measures to ensure farmers’ livelihood security.
Lt. Col. Thammanat emphasized the importance of continuous political engagement, stating, “Politicians must work constantly, not just appear during campaigning,” affirming his commitment to addressing the problems of Lampang’s residents despite responsibilities in multiple provinces.
The Wang Ban Lao River Watergate Project, designed by the Royal Irrigation Department, includes eight straight steel gates, each measuring 10 meters wide and 9 meters high, capable of storing over 4.41 million cubic meters of water. This infrastructure will support approximately 5,775 rai of farmland and reduce pumping costs while increasing water supplies during dry seasons. Upon completion, it will enhance water security for over 51,000 rai of farmland in Thoen and Mae Phrik districts, benefiting key crops such as rice, corn, cassava, longan, and GI oranges.