Protecting water collection and storage areas.

The stream 1, which flows through Hamlet 3, Tan Long Commune, used to be very wide and was the main water source for the local people. Now, the stream has become a garbage dump as some households bring waste to dump into it, causing water pollution that no one dares to use.

Youth union members in Binh Thuan ward collected trash and cleared the waterway along the stream passing through the area.

Similarly, at the Ho Cheo irrigation reservoir, covering an area of ​​6 hectares in Nhu Han commune, livestock waste from some households living around the area is accumulating in increasing amounts. If no preventative measures are taken, the risk of water pollution is entirely possible.

The water collection and storage area here is not just artificial reservoirs but also encompasses a vast ecosystem. This is nature's "water bank," playing a vital role in regulating water flow, mitigating risks from natural disasters, and ensuring water supply for daily life and production.

However, "water banks" are increasingly shrinking and severely deteriorating. Under the pressure of urbanization and industrialization, wetlands and riverside forests have been filled in and transformed into urban areas, industrial zones, or construction sites. The encroachment on riverbeds and lakebeds for housing and illegal construction has significantly reduced water storage and drainage capacity. When heavy rains occur, there is nowhere for water to be stored or drained, leading to localized flooding. In fact, in recent years, flooding has become common during heavy rains, not only in urban areas but also in rural areas. Furthermore, during prolonged periods of hot weather, insufficient water reserves cause severe droughts.

The issue of water collection and storage spaces is no longer solely the responsibility of the Irrigation or Environment sector, but has become a shared responsibility of the entire society. Comrade Phung The Hieu, Head of the Geology, Mineral Resources and Water Resources Department (Department of Agriculture and Environment), stated: Protecting water collection and storage spaces ensures environmental sustainability. Authorities at all levels need clear and decisive plans to protect these areas; strong action must be taken against encroachment and destruction. Most importantly, it is crucial to raise community awareness so that every citizen understands the value of these spaces and works together to protect them.

According to Phung The Hieu, Head of the Department of Geology, Minerals and Water Resources (Department of Agriculture and Environment), it is time we stopped focusing solely on "surface" development and forgot about the solid foundation beneath. Protecting water intake and storage areas is protecting our livelihoods and those of future generations. This not only helps mitigate the impacts of climate change but also ensures water security, creating a healthy and sustainable living environment.

Let's act together now. Every pond, lake, riverbank, stream, or canal that is protected, or every tree that is planted, is a way of expressing our faith and hope for a better future.

Text and photos: Doan Thu

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202509/bao-ve-khong-gian-thu-tru-nuoc-5864613/