Social & Environmental Management

Sirikit Dam conducts irrigational water management of both banks of Nan River and Chao Phraya River basin as well as electricity generation. The dam contributes to the security of electricity system, the welfare of community and condition of the environment of the area.

The main function of Sirikit Dam is, in addition to electricity generation, to create a balance among the social, environmental, and organizational development which leads to the following projects to support society in education, religion, culture, and upgrading the quality of life of the community around the dam. Examples are

• Tutorials of the students for university admission
• Taking care of the senior citizens who have been evacuated from the construction site of Sirikit Dam
• Environmental conservation projects such as the projects on reforestation and weir construction, planting trees in the children’s hearts, conservation of Nan watershed forest, etc. The objectives of these projects are a better quality of life for the people and a better society and environment.

• Establishment of the learning centers for the Project of Biological Way for Sustainable Development at Sirikit Dam and Chong Khao Khad Earth Dam to serve as the learning centers of the royal philosophy, “sufficiency economy”
• Establishment of a learning center for the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the royal initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as a collection of the plant varieties and local herb

• Project to create fertility to forest and land which is under the project of reforestation and weir construction.
• Project of local fish breeding in Nan River upstream and downstream of Sirikit Dam
• Discussion of the water users from upstream, middle stream, and downstream of Nan River for cooperation in integrated water development as proactive public relations concerning the situation of water to create the understanding of water management to bring about the maximum benefits to all users.

Drought management
In 2020, Sirikit Dam solved the drought problem for the community around the dam as follows:

• Discharge of water over 5,000 million m³ through the generators
• Supply of water for consumption
• Discharge of water into Khlong Singh Canal and pipeline
• Construction of 11 temporary weirs
• Construction of 69 firebreaks and 34 forest fire fighting

Irrigation

In the rainy season and summer, water from the reservoir will be discharged into irrigable areas in the plains on the banks of Nan River and Chao Phraya River in the amount as mutually agreed with the Royal Irrigation Department.

Flood mitigation

The reservoir helps to detain surplus water and mitigates the flood which may occur in the plains along the Nan River and Chao Phraya River down to Bangkok.

Electricity generation

Water discharged for irrigation helps to enhance the security of the power system.

Fisheries

EGAT has released several varieties of freshwater fish into the reservoir. Thus, the reservoir has become a large freshwater fishery source that generates income for the locals.

Waterway transportation

The dam facilitates the waterway transportation from the dam to Nan Province which allows people to travel all year round.