GWR
07-08-08, 01:44 PM
MCOT English News report with video:
http://enews.mcot.net/clip.php?nid=16135
Venice Mae Klong
Some say the Venice of Italy might soon be challenged by the Mae Klong river and its surrounding canals in Samutsongkram province and the creation of the ‘Venice-Mae Klong’. The idea has sparked both criticism and appreciation from local residents. Let’s find out more in this report from Thai News Agency.
It’s been four years motorboats have been used to take at least 5000 tourists each weekend night to see fireflies along the Ampawa canal in Samutsongkram province, connecting to Mae Klong river.
The flow of tourists and the presence of the motorboats result in air and noise pollution. Big waves from motorboats also wash down riverbank where grows the Lampoo tree, the habitation of fireflies.
Needless to say, the fireflies are under threat.
Opas Savetmanee, governor of Samutsongkram province has called on the motorboat pilots to reduce engine noise which frightens away the fireflies. Also under consideration is whether motorboats should be allowed to run only on the river, and not in the canal.
The governor said the Mae Klong river and its Ampawa canal shared the same landscape as Italy’s Venice but lacked good management. Motorboats mixed up with small paddling boats along the Mae Klong and small canals.
Opas Savetmanee, Governor, Samutsongkram said “Motorboats cause many environmental problems. We have to reduce pollution and energy consumption, so the tourists can see and taste the real riverbank lifestyle. They will sit and row the boat, just like with Italy’s Gondola. But here, in our style… Samutsongkram Gondola.”
To recall the old days, 20 retired paddling boats over 100 year-old are now being renovated. The boats will be back on the river on August 20, to encourage the use of ‘paddle power’.
Local residents and merchants share mixed feelings toward the governor’s idea.
A local resident said “It’s good that motorboat will be barred in the canal. It goes too fast. I have difficulty to sail my paddling boats.”
A motorboat owner said “I will be affected if motorboats are not allowed to enter the canal. It’s my job as a motorboat owner.”
The idea to replace the motorboats with paddle boats is still being disputed, as many merchants prefer the rapidness and passenger load capacity of the motorboats. More effort is needed to raise awareness among local people and tourists on the importance of preserving nature and the local way of life.
Last Update : 2008-08-07, 2008-08-07 (GMT+7:00)
http://enews.mcot.net/clip.php?nid=16135
http://enews.mcot.net/clip.php?nid=16135
Venice Mae Klong
Some say the Venice of Italy might soon be challenged by the Mae Klong river and its surrounding canals in Samutsongkram province and the creation of the ‘Venice-Mae Klong’. The idea has sparked both criticism and appreciation from local residents. Let’s find out more in this report from Thai News Agency.
It’s been four years motorboats have been used to take at least 5000 tourists each weekend night to see fireflies along the Ampawa canal in Samutsongkram province, connecting to Mae Klong river.
The flow of tourists and the presence of the motorboats result in air and noise pollution. Big waves from motorboats also wash down riverbank where grows the Lampoo tree, the habitation of fireflies.
Needless to say, the fireflies are under threat.
Opas Savetmanee, governor of Samutsongkram province has called on the motorboat pilots to reduce engine noise which frightens away the fireflies. Also under consideration is whether motorboats should be allowed to run only on the river, and not in the canal.
The governor said the Mae Klong river and its Ampawa canal shared the same landscape as Italy’s Venice but lacked good management. Motorboats mixed up with small paddling boats along the Mae Klong and small canals.
Opas Savetmanee, Governor, Samutsongkram said “Motorboats cause many environmental problems. We have to reduce pollution and energy consumption, so the tourists can see and taste the real riverbank lifestyle. They will sit and row the boat, just like with Italy’s Gondola. But here, in our style… Samutsongkram Gondola.”
To recall the old days, 20 retired paddling boats over 100 year-old are now being renovated. The boats will be back on the river on August 20, to encourage the use of ‘paddle power’.
Local residents and merchants share mixed feelings toward the governor’s idea.
A local resident said “It’s good that motorboat will be barred in the canal. It goes too fast. I have difficulty to sail my paddling boats.”
A motorboat owner said “I will be affected if motorboats are not allowed to enter the canal. It’s my job as a motorboat owner.”
The idea to replace the motorboats with paddle boats is still being disputed, as many merchants prefer the rapidness and passenger load capacity of the motorboats. More effort is needed to raise awareness among local people and tourists on the importance of preserving nature and the local way of life.
Last Update : 2008-08-07, 2008-08-07 (GMT+7:00)
http://enews.mcot.net/clip.php?nid=16135