The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is moving to expedite the waterways improvement project which it planned to honour His Majesty the King's sixth cycle anniversary, which falls on July 28, government spokeswoman Kenika Ounjit said yesterday.
Under Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow, she said, the ministry is overseeing 72 projects to mark His Majesty's 72nd birthday this year, which include dredging 24 irrigation canals and 21 reservoirs across the country, as well as the construction of 27 new water sources and irrigation systems.
In addition, she said, the ministry, along with the Justice, Defence, Interior and Natural Resources and Environment ministries, will push forward 10 royal projects on behalf of the king.
The projects are meant to help prevent water shortages during the dry season and raise public awareness about the importance of water conservation and management, she said.
The ministry expects the projects to kick off next month, with an opening ceremony presided by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Pa Sak Jolasid Dam in Lop Buri, Ms Kenika said.
The projects will be launched simultaneously in 28 provinces nationwide, with the goal of completing the 72 projects within a year.
Meanwhile, Pornsak Chumthong, chairman of the Water Council in Phatthalung said the council, along with representatives from Klong San Daeng Conservation Group and various waterway conservation groups in the province, are calling on the government to stop dredging the province's waterways.
At a seminar held on Saturday, which was also attended by representatives from Songkhla's Rattaphum district municipal council, local village chiefs, academics and residents, they said the government's dredging efforts have actually caused water to stagnate in certain areas.
Mr Pornsak cited a survey which found that about 80% of dredged canals in 21 provinces suffer from water stagnation, while the remaining 20% are only partially functioning after dredging.
Ineffective dredging has caused areas as far as two kilometres away to suffer from water shortages, which have caused a significant decrease in crop yields.
The meeting was held in response to the 700-million-baht plan to dredge Klong San Daeng in Tamot district, which begins in Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary.
"It is necessary for the state to listen to the public opinion for transparency," he said.
He added the council will launch public hearings across the province about the pros and cons of the projects in the next couple of months.