CHIANG RAI – The Department of Irrigation has confirmed that the Wiang Nong Lom water restoration project will not damage the local ecosystem or environment after recent negative social media claims. Recently, some social media posts raised concerns about the department’s conservation approach, claiming it would hurt the region’s ecosystem.
The Department of Irrigation, through the Chiang Rai Irrigation Project, has clarified the situation. The Wiang Nong Lom Basin development, along with related structures in Chan Chawa, Mae Chan district, Chiang Rai, covers about 14,000 rai.
This area was once a natural wetland, but years of silt and plant overgrowth left it too shallow to store water effectively, which led to water shortages for nearby communities. Local leaders and the mayor reported these issues, seeking solutions to the ongoing problems.
On 18 May 2021, the Cabinet approved the development and conservation plans for Phayao Lake and Wiang Nong Lom. They tasked the Department of Irrigation and other agencies to draw up plans to address local water shortages.
An initial environmental impact study (Reconnaissance Study Report) found the project is not located in a national forest reserve or any legally protected area. The report also confirmed that the project would not cause significant environmental harm.
From the start, the department invited public input from residents before taking further steps. The area was divided into two main zones:
- Conservation Zone: Locals requested that certain parts, like the freshwater mangrove forest, remain protected because of their ecological and biodiversity value.
- Water Development Zone: Plans include dredging to remove silt, building water gates, weirs, and water distribution systems to boost water storage and management.
The Department of Irrigation stresses that the Wiang Nong Lom project combines both conservation and development, with a focus on protecting the environment and improving local livelihoods. The goal is to manage and use the water resource efficiently without harming the surrounding ecosystem.
Wiang Nong Lom Large Natural Water Resources Development Project
The Wiang Nong Lom pond development, officially known as the “Wiang Nong Lom Large Natural Water Resources Development Project,” is a significant initiative in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, aimed at enhancing the ecological, cultural, and economic value of the Wiang Nong Lom wetland, a 14,000-rai (approximately 5,600 acres) natural wetland in Mae Chan and Chiang Saen districts.
Wiang Nong Lom is one of Thailand’s largest wetlands, historically holding around 8 million cubic meters of water.
It is a critical ecological site, serving as a habitat for buffalo, a breeding ground for freshwater species, and a winter resting place for migratory birds like Siberian cranes from eastern Russia. The wetland also holds archaeological importance, with ancient artifacts and traces of old Buddhist temples scattered throughout the area.
Over time, sediment buildup and overgrown weeds reduced the wetland’s water storage capacity and ecological efficiency. Human activities, such as agricultural expansion (e.g., fish ponds and rice cultivation) and public land encroachment, have further degraded the wetland, impacting local livelihoods and biodiversity.
The development project began in 2022 and is slated to continue until 2025. It is led by the Royal Irrigation Department and the Office of Water Resources 2, under the oversight of a working group chaired by the Chiang Rai Province governor.
The project includes dredging 2,500 rai of the wetland to remove 2.347 million cubic meters of soil, which will enhance water storage and benefit approximately 1,548 rai of the area. The project carefully delineates areas for water management, conservation, and historical preservation to balance competing interests
The project aims to restore the wetland’s role as a critical habitat for species like the Eastern Grass Owl and migratory birds (e.g., Pied Harriers and Eastern Marsh Harriers). The floating grassland, a unique feature of Wiang Nong Lom, provides a safe roosting and breeding ground, though it faces threats from development, burning, and drainage for agriculture.
