Bangkok: The Cabinet approved the Royal Irrigation Department's plan to proceed with the Ban Nong Krathing Reservoir project. This will increase water reserves by 19 million cubic meters, supporting 10,000 rai of farmland during the rainy season and 3,000 rai during the dry season. Additionally, it will provide 5 million cubic meters of water per year for consumption in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) area. The project is expected to generate total benefits of 6,082.6 million baht over its lifespan in the agricultural, consumption, and fisheries sectors.
According to Thai News Agency, Lieutenant Colonel Patthadarasmi Thongsalooykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, through the Royal Irrigation Department, to proceed with the Ban Nong Krathing Reservoir Project in Chachoengsao Province. The project will run for six years, from fiscal year 2027 to 2032, with a budget of 2,854.74 million baht. The aim is to increase water resources and enhance water security for the public and the agricultural sector, as well as to meet water demands in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
The project will increase water storage capacity by approximately 19 million cubic meters, benefiting approximately 10,000 rai of agricultural land during the rainy season and 3,000 rai during the dry season. This will enhance water security for farmers, ensuring they have water for cultivation and allowing them to plan their production in accordance with seasonal water availability.
At the same time, it supports water for consumption in the EEC area of Chachoengsao province with approximately 5 million cubic meters of water per year, as well as supporting fisheries and aquaculture, and helping to maintain the balance of the ecosystem by enhancing the ability to push back saltwater intrusion in the Bang Pakong River.
The project also provides long-term economic and livelihood benefits to the area. Over its 50-year lifespan, it is expected to generate approximately 4,048.6 million baht in agricultural benefits, 1,892.5 million baht in consumer spending, and 141.5 million baht in fisheries and aquatic animal catches, totaling approximately 6,082.6 million baht over the project's duration.
These benefits reflect the comprehensive use of water resources, ranging from supporting agricultural areas during both the rainy and dry seasons, increasing water security for the public and economic zones, to supporting fishing and aquaculture activities, with the goal of ensuring that increased water resources continuously benefit the area in the long term.
The Cabinet instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to expedite land acquisition and compensation for property relocation to those affected, as well as to quickly obtain permits from the Chachoengsao Provincial Land Reform Office. Environmental measures and compensation for those affected must also be implemented according to the established plan. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will closely monitor the project to ensure it proceeds within the timeframe and achieves its objectives.
The deputy spokesperson stated that moving forward with the Ban Nong Krathing reservoir project lays the foundation for water security in Chachoengsao province, benefiting farmers and agricultural activities, public consumption, and economic activities in the EEC, while simultaneously safeguarding fisheries and the ecosystem. This ensures the area has water resources during both the rainy and dry seasons and can systematically cope with increasing water demands in the future.