Chiang Mai Irrigation Project clears over 27 tonnes of water hyacinth from Ping River, opens waterways province-wide ahead of heavy rains

On 16th July, Kerdkul Manasamphansakul, Director of the Chiang Mai Irrigation Project, revealed details of the province’s rainy season water management plan. Following directives from Chiang Mai Governor Rattapon Naradisorn to relevant agencies, particularly the Chiang Mai Irrigation Project under the Irrigation Office Region 1, dredging and waterway clearance operations have been underway, with water hyacinth removal identified as the most pressing task.

One of the most heavily affected areas was near Mae Soi Bridge in Chom Thong district, where large quantities of water hyacinth had accumulated. The Royal Irrigation Department will be clearing the Ping River over a three-week period.

The latest results show 27 tonnes of water hyacinth removed, covering an area of more than 600 square metres. This has restored clear passage for water flow and improved drainage capacity along the river.

The Chiang Mai Irrigation Project is also accelerating dredging and waterway clearance in key tributaries of the Ping River, including the Wang and Khan rivers, along with smaller waterways across the province — spanning both the southern zone and northern districts of Fang, Mae Ai and Chai Prakan — to ensure the drainage network functions cohesively throughout the province.