A diversion tunnel for Mae Taeng Mae Ngad is far behind schedule

 | Tue 25 Jun 2019 11:24 ICT

CityNews – A diversion tunnel mega project, to increase the capacity of water storage, is delayed due to several challenges.

Following the construction of the Mae Taeng-Mae Ngad-Mae Kuang diversion tunnel, The Royal Irrigation Department has recently revealed that the project is now only 34% in completion. The project is behind schedule, and should be at 62% completion.

This mega project is part of a goal to improve the water in Chiang Mai and Lamphun. The tunnel provides water to both the Mae Kuang and Mae Nagd dams, which is expected to increase the capacity of water storage up to 160 million cubic meters. When completed, the tunnel will be 22 km in length. Currently, only 4.6 km of the tunnel have been completed since the start of construction in 2017.

The biggest obstacle is the National Park. Last year the project failed to come to an agreement with authorities about revoking national park status. However, a recent report reveals that the matter is now awaiting cabinet approval.

The Royal Irrigation Department also discovered a sizable underground tunnel, and the driller was damaged by water. The driller has recently been fixed, and back in action since April, but the work has been delayed.

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