Significant Water Decline Impacts Local Fishing Communities
PUBLISHED : 20 Feb 2025 at 14:16
NAKHON RATCHASIMA: The water level at Lam Takhong reservoir has plummeted to a concerning 22% of its holding capacity, according to local authorities.
This unexpected decline has unveiled previously submerged sections of the Mittraphap Road in Tha Ngoi village, prompting local residents to use the exposed area for grazing cattle.
Local fishermen are facing hardship as their catches have significantly decreased, leading some to resort to harvesting bitter shells for income.
Boonlai Orbkhongsung, a fisherman from the area, expressed concern over the daily drop in water level, which has made it increasingly challenging to catch fish. Many fish have retreated to deeper waters, necessitating longer fishing trips with minimal success.
Under normal circumstances, the reservoir’s higher water level attracts fish to the weedy edges, making fishing easier, Boonlai noted.
Fresh fish from Lam Takhong are typically in high demand, with tilapia fetching up to 80 baht per kilogram, while bitter shells can be sold for 40 baht per kilogram.
Sukhon Temyodying, director of the Lam Takhong river basin operation, indicated that the reservoir currently holds only 71.1 million cubic metres of water, equating to 22.6% of its total capacity. Of this, only 48.4 million cubic metres is deemed usable, which is approximately 16.6%.
He emphasized the importance of careful water management to ensure adequate tap water supplies for five districts: Sikhiu, Sung Noen, Kham Thale So, Muang Nakhon Ratchasima, and Chalerm Phrakiat.
Sukhon assured that authorities are capable of managing the water supply to meet consumption needs until April 30. However, he urged local residents to conserve water and use it judiciously until the rainy season replenishes the reservoir.
