Conference on Irrigation Planning of Mekong River Basin and Red River Basin

Conference scene at Bac Lieu province bridge.

(BL-CL) On the afternoon of March 24, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha chaired a meeting on irrigation planning for the Mekong River basin and the Red River basin. The conference was broadcast online to 38 connecting points of provinces and cities in the Mekong River basin and the Red River basin. Attending and chairing the meeting at the Bac Lieu connecting point was Mr. Huynh Huu Tri - Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

Reporting at the meeting, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said that the Mekong River basin, with an area of 4 million hectares, is oriented as a key agricultural development area of the country. With the current scenario affected by climate change and the implementation scenario in the period of 2030 and vision to 2050, the dry season water demand of the Mekong River Delta (MD) is about 14-16 billion m3, still smaller than the amount of water coming from upstream in the most extreme case. However, the MD still has areas lacking water due to lack of salinity control works or lack of water diversion works.

Thereby, the basic technical solutions to develop the irrigation infrastructure of the Mekong River basin include: Completing salinity control works, water diversion works; Building measures to operate scientific drainage works; Investing in anti-landslide works at important locations, areas affected by erosion; Adhering to the viewpoint of "actively living with floods".

Regarding the master plan for the Red - Thai Binh river basin for the period 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050, it was issued based on the viewpoint that water resources are comprehensively managed according to the river basin, accordingly: Improving the water storage capacity of existing reservoirs on the principle of ensuring safety; Converting production, applying water-saving irrigation models, especially in areas with frequent droughts and water shortages; Strengthening international cooperation in exchanging and providing information on transboundary water resources, researching and transferring science and technology on using circulating water, saving and reusing water.

Boats travel on the Phung Hiep canal, one of the main water supply canals serving production in the province. Photo: CL

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha stated that climate change has had many impacts on irrigation planning in the two river basins, so it is necessary to have appropriate irrigation planning to serve the development of the region. In irrigation planning, it is necessary to have a vision and shift from the mindset of irrigation serving to providing multi-purpose services, associated with preserving, conserving and promoting positive cultural values of the region, creating conditions for the development of service and tourism industries. In particular, it is necessary to shift from planning thinking to strategic thinking, long-term vision. The planning must contribute to ensuring water security of the basin until 2030 with a vision to 2050; as a basis for developing annual, 5-year and long-term irrigation development plans in the basin.

Source: https://www.baobaclieu.vn/tin-tuc/hoi-nghi-quy-hoach-thuy-loi-luu-vuc-song-cuu-long-va-luu-vuc-song-hong-99889.html