Hua Na Dam Explained

Hua Na Dam
Location Map:Thailand
Country:Thailand
Location:Kanthararom, Sisaket
Opening:1994
Cost:2.5 billion baht
Owner:Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
Dam Type:Cement Irrigation Dam
Dam Height:17m (56feet)
Dam Length:207m (679feet)
Dam Crosses:Huay Kaosan River
Res Name:Hua Na Dam Reservoir
Res Capacity Total:65 m3
Plant Operator:Royal Irrigation Department

Hua Na Dam (Thai: เขื่อนหัวนา,, in Thai pronounced as /kʰɯ̀a̯n hǔa̯ nāː/), in Kanthararom District, Sisaket Province, is the biggest dam in the Khong-Chi-Mun project in Thailand. It is close to the Rasi Salai Dam, which has been inoperable for over 10 years because of extreme salinity. Hua Na sits atop the same salt dome as Rasi Salai and may face the same fate if the gates are ever closed. Its height is, while its length is . It has 14 gates and a catchment area of 115000000m2. The reservoir stretches for, while its surface area is unknown. The reservoir has a manageable storage capacity of 64.98 million cubic metres.[1]

It exceeded its budget of 1.5 billion baht, costing 2.5 billion.

Opponents note that no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was completed before construction, leaving concerns about flooding and salinity unresolved. Clay resources, which provide a primary occupation for many villagers, would be endangered if the dam gates were closed.[2]

Notes and References

  1. News: Worarak . Sanoh . Discharge rate increased at Hua Na dam in Si Sa Ket . 28 June 2020 . Bangkok Post . 6 August 2018.
  2. Xieng Kon Issan News Report