Governor Kim Jintae: "Provincial Leadership to Work from Second Government Building and Oversee On-Site Until Gangneung Drought Is Resolved"

Gangwon Province Holds Emergency Meeting to Secure Water Resources in Gangneung
Governor Kim Jintae and Provincial Leadership to Remain On-Site in Gangneung

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jintae) held the "Urgent Measures Meeting for Securing Water Resources in Gangneung" at 2 p.m. on the 7th in the main conference room of the second government building, where in-depth discussions were held on practical support measures.

Kim Jintae, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, is holding the "Urgent Measures Meeting for Securing Water Resources in Gangneung" at 2 p.m. on the 7th in the large conference room of the second government building. Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

This meeting was convened to discuss comprehensive provincial-level measures for securing water resources in response to the prolonged drought in Gangneung. Governor Kim Jintae personally presided over the meeting, which was attended by directors of provincial offices, deputy heads of 18 cities and counties, and representatives from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.

Before the meeting, Governor Kim Jintae stated, "I would like to express my condolences to the citizens of Gangneung who are suffering greatly due to the drought," adding, "We, too, are deeply distressed by the situation."

He continued, "Although today is a holiday, all provincial government executives and deputy heads of cities and counties have gathered at Gangneung's second government building. Going forward, the provincial leadership will work from the second government building and oversee the situation on-site until it is resolved."

He further emphasized, "Ultimately, administration exists to protect the lives and safety of residents. We will mobilize all administrative resources of the province and make every effort to ensure that citizens' basic livelihoods are maintained."

During the subsequent meeting, concrete measures to secure water resources were intensively discussed. Key agenda items included the feasibility of utilizing water from the Doam Dam, additional support of water supply vehicles for each city and county, and exploration of groundwater wells. In-depth discussions were held to develop practical alternatives.

Discussions were also held in preparation for the use of water from the Doam Dam. Jeongseon County and Yeongwol County, which are adjacent to the dam, expressed no objections to emergency water release. In addition, regarding water quality verification, a plan was discussed for the provincial Institute of Health and Environment to cooperate with the Ministry of Environment's verification process.

Currently, a total of about 500 water supply vehicles are being deployed. During the meeting, it was decided that 100 additional vehicles would be provided by 17 cities and counties in the province, excluding Gangneung City.

Regarding the development of groundwater wells, Gangneung City requested expert verification. Accordingly, the provincial Department of Forest and Environment will form a consultative body of public and private experts to review measures for securing water resources, including exploration and development of groundwater wells.

All cities and counties in the province agreed to actively support Gangneung City with the necessary equipment and personnel to overcome the drought.