Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - Sakda Wichiansilp, director general of theDepartment of Ground Water Resources, has visited areas affected by drought in SakonNakhon province and followed up on the project to develop ground water forlarge-sized farms in the dry season.

Mr. Sakda held a meeting with relevant officials on the project, which isfinanced by the Fund for Ground Water Development.

The director general of the Department of Ground Water Resources said officialshave inspected conditions of ground water wells, water pumps and systems, whichmake tap water from ground water and improve the quality of water.

He also offered advice to local villagers on the repair and maintenance ofground water wells and the truck-mounted distribution of ground water fordrinking in drought-hit areas. Members of the public can call 02 666 7099 forhelp.

In Surin province, Chirayu Nantharathorn, inspector attached to the PrimeMinister’s Office, visited drought-hit areas and followed up on the project toincrease the volume of water in Suwannapha reservoir in Kang Aen subdistrict ofPrasat district serving 2,856 households. There has been less than 30 percentof capacity in the main reservoir so far this year, prompting provincialofficials to pump water from nearby ponds continually. The water has evaporatedquickly in the hot weather. Officials have surveyed three more water wells,from where ground water might be pumped, while residents of Kang Aenmunicipality have been advised to use water sparingly./.