On April 10, 2012 Thailand's Cabinet approved the THB 13 billion Mae Wong Dam project in response to water shortages in the dry season and heavy floods in the wet season. Opponents of the project state that it will eliminate around 1,760 hectares (17.6 square-kilometers) of low-lying forest, and reduce the habitat for animals in the national park which covers 900 square-kilometers.[1] In July 2012 a case was filed at Central Administrative Court, against Yingluck Shinawatra, the cabinet, the director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department, and the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives.[2] On 22 September 2013 Bangkok Post said that in Bangkok "Thousands of supporters turned out on Sunday to welcome the environmental campaigner Sasin Chalermlap, who arrived in Bangkok after a 388-kilometre walk to protest plans to build a dam in Mae Wong National Park".[3] Days later the Thai government announced that they will study a new alternative to the dam.[4] During a November 2013 hearing, locals reportedly supported the projects benefits and asked the government to pursue it.[5] On 23 September 2013 Science and Technology Minister Plodprasop Suraswadistated that construction of the dam will push forward