Lam Takhong Dam Water Levels Sufficient for Nakhon Ratchasima City Until Rainy Season

Nakhon Ratchasima: The Royal Irrigation Department has confirmed that the water levels at the Lam Takhong Dam are sufficient to meet the needs of Nakhon Ratchasima City until the onset of the rainy season. The department has called on local farmers to cooperate by avoiding the cultivation of dry season rice, in line with the current water management strategy.According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Thanet Sombun, Director of the Office of Water Management and Hydrology at the Royal Irrigation Department, reported that the Lam Takhong Reservoir in Nakhon Ratchasima Province currently holds approximately 63.026 million cubic meters of water, which is 20% of its total capacity. Since the beginning of the dry season on November 1, 2024, 36 million cubic meters of water have been allocated for use, leaving around 20 million cubic meters available until the end of April 2025. It is estimated that an additional 15 million cubic meters will flow into the reservoir during March and April 2025. By the end of the dry season , the reservoir is expected to contain approximately 56 million cubic meters, or 18% of its capacity, ensuring a continuous water supply for the city until the rainy season begins in May 2025.During the 2024 rainy season, the reservoir received only 82 million cubic meters of water, marking the lowest inflow in 56 years. Consequently, at the start of the dry season, the reservoir held 103 million cubic meters, or 33% of its capacity. The Lam Takong Water Supply and Maintenance Project has outlined a water usage plan for the dry season of 2024/25, allocating 73 million cubic meters across various sectors: 35 million cubic meters for consumption, 25 million for ecosystem conservation, 7 million for low-water agricultural crops, and 6 million for industrial use.The Royal Irrigation Department has developed a comprehensive water management plan to ensure adequate water availability for consumption throughout the dry season. The 8th Regional Irrigation Office, through the Lam Takong Water Supply and Maintenanc e Project, has communicated with Nakhon Ratchasima Province, urging farmers to refrain from planting dry season rice. The department is also encouraging all sectors to conserve water and participate in water-saving initiatives.