ABOVE: This is what an estimated 120,000-plus tonnes of invasive water hyacinth looks like from above the clogged Pa Sak River in Ayutthaya province, the day before residents and workers are to set out to clear it away. (Photo by Sunthorn Pongpao)
A combined team of military officers and local authorities have stepped up their efforts to clear tonnes of water weeds in canals and rivers — nearly 120,000 tonnes in Ayutthaya alone — to enhance river navigation and alleviate pollution.
Udomsak Kaeonuna, who represents the provincial disaster prevention division, said Thursday the military and local authorities are working hard to remove water hyacinth from canals and four main rivers passing through the province.
The operations were in response to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s directive to solve the problem of aquatic weeds in the Chao Phraya River which cover several provinces in the Central Plains.
The activities are aimed at reducing flooding and the risk of water accidents and improving boat access.
The clearing operations cover six main areas targeting around 115,600 tonnes of water weeds to be removed, according Mr Udomsak.
The main areas include a canal near Rama VI dam in Tha Rua district; in Klong Bang Phra Kru that links to the Pa Sak River in Nakhon Luang district; in Klong Bang Deao linking to the Lop Buri River in Bang Pahan district; in Klong Bang Ban linking to the Chao Phraya River; in the Noi River in front of Hua Weang Market in Sena district; and the Noi River in Bang Sai district where the Noi River meets the Chao Phraya River.
Authorities are expediting their work to ensure the water hyacinth in the Noi River in Bang Sai district will be cleared by next Monday, Mr Udomsak said.
In Chai Nat, operations to remove water weeds were completed late on Wednesday, according to the provincial governor Kanit Iamrahong.
The governor, who also heads the hyacinth eradication operation centre, confirmed Thursday that more than 55,000 tonnes of hyacinth that had blocked water passages above the Chao Phraya River, spanning more than three kilometres.
It has now been removed.
Mr Kanit thanked soldiers, officials and locals for their efforts to remove the weeds from water passages. The week-long clean-up was completed on time.
In Pathum Thani, local authorities are finding ways to tackle pollution as a result of water hyacinth in the Rangsit Prayoonsak canal, said provincial governor Surachai Khan-arsa.
He was speaking during an inspection of the clean-up in the canal.
Mr Surachai said he had ordered authorities to remove weeds and add effective microorganisms to improve the quality of the water in the canal and eliminate foul odours.
BRON: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/special-reports/1059288/military-local-officials-step-up-drive-to-clear-water-weeds