Understanding the importance of dams

60 MSIG Thailand staff volunteers helped to build a small dam at Linchang Temple in Petchburi province to raise awareness among MSIG staff about the importance of preserving ecosystems, natural resources as well as disaster prevention. 

The Petchburi area was identified to be prone to floods during the rainy season every year, and hence community assistance in this aspect will be most beneficial. Representative staff from the Corporate Communication Team (CCT) worked closely with the temple and over the course of several fieldwork observations, made preparations for tools and aids needed for the dam construction, as well as other logistical matters to facilitate this company-wide initiative. Petcharat Hospital was also part of the operations at the fieldwork area to lend support in case of any unforeseen circumstances. All in all, approximately 2 months was committed to see to the completion of this project.

Such dams are built to control the flow of water, with earth, rocks and concrete placed across streams or rivers. They are usually constructed to store water and the stored water is then used for various purposes such as irrigation and water supplies for people who live in the Phetchaburi province. Through this initiative, people in the nearby villages will also be safe from floods.

Most dams are constructed for specific purposes such as water supply, flood control, irrigation, navigation, sedimentation control, and hydropower. Dams are the cornerstones of water resource development and management in river basins.