Chumphon Flood Prevention and Mitigation Project: A Royal Initiative for Sustainability and Public Safety

The Chumphon Flood Prevention and Mitigation Project, under the royal initiative, began with King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great on August 24, 1997. The project was designed to address the recurring flooding issues in Chumphon province, with the goal of completing the remaining 1,460 meters of the Hua Wang–Phanang Tak Canal within a month, in order to reduce future flood impacts.

This initiative has been continued by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn and is being implemented by the Royal Irrigation Department. The project is divided into two phases:

• Phase 1 (2015-2019): Focused on digging water diversion canals and expanding the original Chumphon Canal, increasing the water drainage capacity to 350 cubic meters per second, along with the construction of water drainage structures.
• Phase 2 (2020-2021): Focused on canal expansion and the construction of four water gates to manage water flow in the Chumphon river basin, aiming to increase water drainage capacity to 550 cubic meters per second.

Currently, the project has successfully reduced the flood-prone area by 37,500 rai (approximately 14,800 acres), benefiting over 16,802 households and significantly minimizing loss of life and property damage. Additionally, the project has optimized agricultural land use, increasing the beneficial area by 6,875 rai (approximately 2,700 acres).

In the future, this project will continue to receive support and development to enhance preparedness for potential future disasters. It will also raise public awareness about water management and the sustainable use of water resources. This initiative not only addresses immediate challenges but also serves as a model for sustainable development, reflecting the royal vision of His Majesty the King to improve the quality of life and ensure public safety from natural disasters.

For Additional Information: Phralan 
Link: https://www.phralan.in.th/index.php