SAKON NAKHON: Authorities will not release water from Nam Un dam in drought-stricken Sakon Nakhon province during the Songkran festival.

The move will put a damper on traditional water-fighting activities in the province, as many canals and other water sources will remain dry.

The dam is at 20% capacity, its lowest level in 40 years.
Water management officials said they will not release water during the festival to conserve resources for consumption and agriculture.

The move is expected to deter tourists from visiting the northeastern province during the festival, which has attracted high numbers of travellers in recent years.

Officials say the festival is a particularly lucrative time for local street vendors.
Warawan Namungkul, a food and drink vendor, predicted her daily income would drop sharply as a result of the water restrictions.

Ms Warawan said she earned about 5,000 baht per day selling to revellers last year.
Meanwhile, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) says it has been working hard to ensure water in the moat surrounding central Chiang Mai is safe for use during Songkran.          The agency has been working with the city municipality since last month to help clean the eight-kilometre canal, NSTDA president Thaweesak Koanantakool said.

Mr Thaweesak said his research team had added chemicals to the water to kill off bacteria.
A machine would also be set up to increase oxygen levels in the water,making it cleaner, he said.

Reference :
Sakon Nakhon stays dry over Songkran. Bangkok Post (THE ROUND-UP). ฉบับวันที่ 09 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2556.– ( 80 Views)