Seo Sam-seok and Yeongam-gun chief Woo Seung-hee visit Bangadeul Reservoir to discuss securing agricultural water supply
Seo Sam-seok, chairman of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, visited Bangadeul Reservoir in Seochangmaul, Saho-eup, Yeongam-gun on Friday alongside county chief Woo Seung-hee to assess the agricultural water situation caused by the ongoing heat wave and lack of rainfall and to discuss response measures.
Local residents and relevant civil servants joined the on-site inspection, examining the reservoir's water storage levels and supply conditions for nearby farmland, and exchanging views on how to secure agricultural water ahead of a potentially prolonged drought.
Bangadeul Reservoir has seen its water storage drop sharply due to persistent heat and insufficient rainfall, making it urgent to secure enough agricultural water for surrounding farmland. Yeongam-gun has deployed water tanker trucks and launched emergency water supply operations to minimize crop damage.
Seo and Woo observed the water tanker operations firsthand and heard from residents about the difficulties facing farmers. They also discussed longer-term measures to ensure a stable agricultural water supply for areas prone to recurring drought, alongside the immediate supply needs.
"Right now, the most urgent priority is getting water to where it is needed to minimize crop damage," Woo said. "We will make full use of available equipment and administrative resources to ensure there are no disruptions to the agricultural water supply, and we will also work on securing a stable water supply for areas that repeatedly suffer from drought."
"I saw firsthand the hardships facing farmers and the shortage of agricultural water on the ground," Seo said. "Securing a stable water supply for farming is a critical matter for protecting the agricultural production base, and I will work with relevant agencies to explore the support measures needed."
Yeongam-gun plans to continue monitoring weather conditions and reservoir levels, maintain agricultural water supply to drought-vulnerable areas using available facilities and equipment including water tankers and pumping stations, and pursue additional measures to secure water reserves in case the drought persists.
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