Part 2: Regulating and allocating water resources rationally

During prolonged droughts, when water resources are severely depleted, water sharing becomes a crucial solution in management and utilization.

* Part 1: Widespread Water Shortage

Efficient operation of irrigation systems contributes to ensuring water supply for agricultural production in the fields.

Following the directives of the Provincial People's Committee, many hydropower plants have adjusted their operating plans, temporarily suspending or reducing power generation to prioritize water release downstream, ensuring the maintenance of water resources for people's daily lives and agricultural production.

At the Hua Chang II Hydropower Plant in Tan Uyen commune (7MW capacity, operational since 2022), for more than two weeks, the generating units have stopped producing electricity, prioritizing water release downstream. Mr. Pham Ba Dai, the plant director, said: “We have carried out bottom discharge to supplement water for production. The drought not only affects the lives and production of the people but also causes significant damage to the plant's operations.”

For Tan Uyen Energy Development Joint Stock Company (Muong Khoa commune), which manages and operates two hydropower plants, Nam Be and Nam Bon, with a total capacity of 8.2MW, the company is seriously implementing the directives of the Provincial People's Committee. The decision to cease operations and prioritize water for domestic use not only demonstrates corporate responsibility but also affirms its commitment to compliance and partnership for the benefit of the community.

Mr. Vu Duc Khanh, Deputy General Director of Tan Uyen Energy Development Joint Stock Company, said: Strictly implementing the directives of the Provincial People's Committee and specialized agencies, the company has proactively ceased operations at two power plants to prioritize water release for domestic and production purposes for the people. However, the locality needs to soon have a comprehensive solution to improve the efficiency of water use. The focus should be on investing in, renovating, and upgrading the irrigation canal system to reduce losses; promoting awareness of water conservation in the community, aiming for sustainable water resource management and exploitation.

To address the water shortage problem, the role of managing, regulating, and utilizing water resources on a broad scale by local Party committees and authorities is indispensable. This includes coordinating efforts by Party branches, neighborhood groups, and mass organizations to mobilize members and the public to use water sparingly and share water resources within the community.

In Ta Tong commune, water shortages during the dry season are occurring in many villages such as Ta Tong, Co Lo Ho, Cao Chai, Tia Ma Mu, Giang Ly Cha, etc. The commune's Party committee and government have played a leading and managing role right from the grassroots level. Cadres and Party members assigned to villages closely monitor the situation, promptly assess the situation, and educate people on rational water use, sharing resources with neighboring areas during this time. The commune also reviews water needs for production, proactively allocating water appropriately, prioritizing water for domestic use and essential crops.

The people of Ta Tong have to carry containers to fetch water for daily use.

Immediate solutions are unlikely to completely address the increasingly complex problem of water scarcity. With a heavily fragmented terrain, the water supply infrastructure in many areas, though long-established, is now dilapidated, inconsistent, and unable to meet the needs of domestic and industrial water use. Furthermore, the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, causing the dry season to arrive earlier, last longer, and be more difficult to predict… In this context, the requirement is to proactively adapt and develop a comprehensive strategy for planning, managing, exploiting, and allocating water resources rationally, coupled with investment in infrastructure upgrades and enhanced monitoring of water supply system operations.

Mr. Bui Duc Trong, Deputy Director of Lai Chau Irrigation Management Company Limited, said: The company is assigned to manage and operate 96 irrigation works, ensuring water supply for more than 3,600 hectares of cultivated land in the province. The unit is strengthening the management and operation of the irrigation system in a flexible, efficient manner and closely following the reality of each area. To solve the water shortage problem, a comprehensive investment and modernization of the irrigation and water supply system is needed. Increased monitoring of the operation of hydropower plants is necessary to ensure downstream flow. Agricultural production models adapted to drought conditions should be promoted. In particular, efforts should be intensified to raise public awareness of water conservation and efficiency, fostering a habit of sharing water resources within the community, especially during the peak dry season.

Although scattered rains have fallen in the province, the drought shows no signs of easing. However, with the close guidance of the Provincial People's Committee, the proactive role of Party committees and authorities at all levels, the efforts of hydropower enterprises, and the spirit of sharing among the people, this difficulty will soon be resolved, ensuring production for the upcoming crop season.

Source: https://baolaichau.vn/kinh-te/ky-2-dieu-tiet-phan-bo-nguon-nuoc-hop-ly-1036293