Dry scene of the Mekong River in Chiang Saen
CHIANG RAI – Authorities at Chiang Saen’s Marine Office are reporting that Mekong River water levels have reportedly receded after China reduced the volume of water released from Chiang Rung Dam from 1,400 cubic meters/sec daily to 1,200 – 1,000 cubic meter/sec daily.
The Marine Office authorities said that the changes were visible on the Mekong since January 1st, adding the depth of water at Chiang Saen Pier has recently reduced to 2.59 meters from the earlier 3 meters.
The Marine Office said it would contact the Joint Committee on Coordination of Commercial Navigation on the Lancang-Mekong River for the official words from China on latter’s policy and measures on the matter.
Nonetheless, one of the local travel agencies has revealed that the Marine Office in Guanlei, Chana issued travel warning on Mekong River as it would reduce the volume of water released from Chiang Rung Dam from January 1st onward to the current level. The Chinese officials would maintain the rate until further notice, said the travel agency.