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Published on August 13, 2007

In her birthday speech, Her Majesty feared fresh-water supplies could run dry within the next two decades if destruction of forests continued.

Samart yesterday reacted by calling a meeting of his top officials. "I have invited Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thira Sutabutra, too," Samart said.

Thira will be asked to seek Cabinet approval for forest appropriations to be included in the department's dam-construction budget.

Dam building often encroaches on forest land. It requires the department to plant new trees to replace those cut down.

At present the government allows only the Royal Forest and National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation departments to seek appropriations for forestation.

"But, when they ask for this money it is often refused. So, I think it will be better if dam-construction projects include reforestation money," Samart said.

The department should be allowed to assign "appropriate organisations" to undertake reforestation.

"We may do the job ourselves or we may engage universities, schools or private entities," he said.

In response to Her Majesty's worry that many rural homes were built without rain guttering, Samart said plans were being readied to add these so people could catch and use rainwater.

"I have talked with institutes of technology about the possibility of arranging camp activities during which students can help build gutters," Samart said.

Meanwhile, Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said yesterday the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration would increase "green space" in the capital to four square metres per resident next year.

Since 2005, the administration has added 750 rai of green space each year.