A natural ‘cycle’ of rehabilitation
Novel methods are being used in the ambitious restoration of Khlong Bang Lamphu in the historic old quarter, writes Supoj Wancharoen
The residents of old Bang Lamphu have found a novel way to make cycling fun and environmentally friendly and are combing it with heightened tourism appeal. And it is paying off. The cycling is done in the local canal. Businessman Sittichai Pholhittanont has for a long time been very disgruntled by the image of visitors turning up their noses at the foul-smelling Khlong Bang Lamphu that cuts through the community.
Mr Sitthichai, who is also head resident of the community in the old quarter of Bangkok, launched a determined programme to return the canal to its natural, unpolluted state.
That marked the birth of the canal restoration project, borne on brain power and the sweat of the residents.
At the heart of the canal restoration work is the Jakrayan Teep Namsai, or turbine water bicycle, to be introduced later this month as an added measure to handle water pollution in the canal.
Water cycling, to be unveiled on Sept 20, was developed with inventions created by His Majesty the King. It is a product of the borrowed concepts of the floating bicycle (Jakrayan Pernnum) and the Chaipattana Aerator, a tool that forces oxygen into water.
According to Mr Sitthichai, the turbine water bicycle requires vigorous peddling to turn the aerator wheels, infusing oxygen into the canal and making the water cleaner.
When the bicycle is peddled fast enough, it rises up higher in the water. Then it becomes a fun form of exercise with the potential to create activities that will attract more visitors to the community.
The community plans to put 10 water bicycles in the canal.
“The turbine water bicycle will be a new fun activity for ecological tourists who visit our community,” Mr Sitthichai said. “On top of that, it pays tribute to HM the King for his inventions.”
Mr Sitthichai recalled his visit to the Royal Thai Naval Dockyard which gave him inspiration for the bicycle.
He watched a miniature Jakrayan Pernnum with a message on the banner beside it, which read “Don’t throw it away”.
Mr Sitthichai said the community restoration programme came about in 2010 when local residents explored the possibility of developing the community into a floating market like the Amphawa floating market in Samut Sakhon province. But the project was not feasible due to different geographical and demographic factors.
At the same time, the community undertook restoration of the canal and thought of ways to tackle water pollution while sprucing up the landscape.
Khlong Bang Lamphu is about 13 kilometres long, starting from Phra Sumen Fort to the Chao Phraya River via Maha Kan Fort and Wat Chakkrawat.
The putrid smell of water in the canal, according to Mr Sitthichai, is a result of years of sediment build-up.
The pollution problem is exacerbated by the shutting of the sluice gates in the canal, which prevents water from flowing in from the Chao Phraya River that would otherwise help flush out the pollution, he said.
The residents questioned authorities in charge of the water control system who told them that shutting the gates was part of the government’s policy to prevent flooding in inner city areas.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration deputy city clerk Sanya Chenimit said gate closure was necessary in the rainy season.
“We are concerned about Khlong Bang Lamphu. At least, we have repaired the concrete floodwalls along the canal which has helped with beautification of the landscape. And we are preparing to dredge up the sediment and sewage,” Mr Sanya said.
Mr Sitthichai said the residents once asked Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra why the canal gates remained shut when he visited the community in the previous governor election campaign.
However, the governor could not provide an answer and so the residents decided to take the matter into their own hands. It was the beginning of their restoration efforts.
Mr Sitthichai noted the Khlong Bang Lamphu community may be comparable to Venice in Italy in terms of distinct geographical attractions. But the smell of the water, however, is in stark contrast.
As the local residents set out to restore the canal on their own, Mr Sitthichai said they sought assistance from the Land Development Department under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to provide them with an effective microorganism (EM) probiotic, a liquid that is eco-friendly and health enhancing and found in nature.
The liquid is made up of bacteria, yeast and other beneficial microorganisms that exist naturally in the environment. It can be used as fertiliser, water purification, waste management and odour control.
In the early stage of the canal’s resuscitation, about 1,200 litres of EM probiotic liquid were poured into Khlong Bang Lamphu every 10 days to help ease the water pollution problem.
Two years later, the result of this water treatment has proved to be satisfactory, Mr Sitthichai said. The quality of water has significantly improved and fish stocks have begun to return to the canal.
“Now we can see pla dook, pla tapien and pla nil in the canal. Some people release fish into the water. Some people see fish-eating birds perched on the branches as they look for food around the Phra Sumen Fort. That indicates a healthy life cycle of aquatic animals.”
Over the years, the Bang Lamphu community has been actively engaged in many activities to restore the community. They include the “Rak Khlong” (love the canal), “Rak Nam” (love the water) and “Rak Pla” (love fish) campaigns and the Rak Khlong Bang Lamphu project, aimed at raising awareness about the need for the canal’s improvement.
Another important activity is gathering children of the community to help with the EM liquid that is improving the quality of the water.
“We do care for our community,” said Mr Sitthichai. “We use discarded organic materials found in the community like fruit peelings. Local residents donated a little money to buy some of the ingredients for the EM liquid,” he added.