Water resources policy and administrative management

Nong Pla Lai is a catchment of watershed area of Rayong River, It is situated in the eastern-coast basin-an ecological part of the Gulf of Thailand.The most important reservoir in the eastern region , with total area of 3,038 ha, the reservoir possesses retention capacity of 164Million cu.metres per year of which 151 million cu.metre can be actually utilized.The reservoir supplies water for both industry, agriculture, commerce and household. Towards the north of the reservoir is the rain-receiving area of about 408 sq.km.The area is the location of 4 industrial estates all situated on the banks of tributaries connected to the Reservoir. In 1998, one study had revealed an alarming figure of pollution in the Rayong River. Industrial waste draining into the river was measured at 307,207 cu.metres/day with respective BOD of 112,354 kg./day According to local people, the most critical area is the Pluakdaeng canal where dead fishes had been found.Besides, more than 160 ha of the watershed area of the tributaries have been encroached and devastated by wild-fire. This situation should not be allowed to continue. Project goals or objectives (including GEF problem-area addressed by projects): 1.To guard against and monitor industrial waste disposal 2.To protect watershed area and rehabilitate forest area 3.To promote and develop agriculture for living Activities to be carried out under project: 1.Capacity building activity by conducting training for volunteers and members on Guarding Against Pollution and Fundamental Checking , launching open forums, disseminating data & information through mass media 2.Launching reforestation project and establishing No Fishing Zone 3.Instilling conservation awareness by religious rites 4.Organizing training and study tour on Effect of Chemical upon Agriculture Project participants and/or beneficiaries: 1.Rubber Farmers Cooperative and Agricultural Cooperatives of Pluakdaeng District 2.Tasit and Pluakdaeng Tambol Administrative Orgainization 3.Industrial Waste Watch Group 4.Alternative Agriculture Network Anticipated results of project: 1.The guarding group enjoys more membership and acquires monitoring skill more than before. 2.There emerges a protection group overseeing the reforested area continuously. 3.There are more trees in the area 60 m. x 5 m. along the bank of the reservoir. 4.The council enjoys more membership 5.There is a slow-down of selling agricultural land by farmers.

Thailand