Efficient management of irrigation systems

In recent years, the irrigation system in our province has received attention for investment and construction to be relatively complete. Sectors and localities have focused on effectively operating the irrigation system, preventing flooding and regulating water to serve agricultural production and people's lives.

The Tac stream embankment project in Phu Yen district helps prevent flooding for Muong Tac rice fields.

The province has 111 reservoirs, 132 dams and more than 2,100 irrigation works. Currently, Son La Irrigation Works Management and Exploitation Company Limited manages and exploits over 2,500 large and medium-sized irrigation works, including 12 branches under the Company located in districts, cities and towns. Communes and wards have established grassroots irrigation groups, including 1,400 grassroots irrigation groups with 3,406 members. The organization of the irrigation management apparatus is being gradually improved and the capacity and quality of management, exploitation and protection of works are being improved effectively.

Since the beginning of the year, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has coordinated with functional units to inspect and assess the safety of irrigation works, and develop flood and storm prevention plans suitable to the reality. Review and propose repairs to degraded works; mobilize people to dredge irrigation canals and clear the flow. Since the beginning of the year, the whole province has organized hundreds of irrigation campaigns, repaired and dredged about 800 km of canals and maintained 140 works serving agricultural production.

Son La Irrigation Works Management and Exploitation Company Limited has developed a water regulation plan suitable to weather developments and local needs; increased remote monitoring, using automatic water level measuring devices. At the same time, resolutely handling violations of the protection corridor of irrigation works. Mr. An Duc Hau, Deputy Director of the Company, said: The Company has directed branches to coordinate with local authorities on duty, closely monitor the flood situation in rivers, streams, lakes and dams, proactively deploy measures to prevent and combat natural disasters, protect irrigation works and regulate water for production.

In Phu Yen district, there are 4 reservoirs with a total capacity of over 4 million m³ of water; of which, Suoi Chieu lake accounts for about 3 million m³. Since the beginning of the year, the district has stepped up propaganda and mobilized people to dredge over 300 km of irrigation canals; repaired over 100 km of intra-field canals and built over 30 km of temporary dykes, ensuring irrigation water for production and drainage during heavy rains.

Mr. Dinh Van Bich, Director of Phu Yen Irrigation Works Management and Exploitation Branch, said: The unit has instructed irrigation teams to review and evaluate the system of works, propose repairs and upgrades; at the same time, store water in reservoirs and report daily discharge volumes for the District People's Committee to direct regulation. During the heavy rainy season, the unit arranges staff to be on duty 24/7 to monitor water levels, promptly report and ask for the District People's Committee's opinion on flood discharge, ensuring the safety of the reservoir.

Soldiers of Regiment 754, Provincial Military Command, participate in dredging irrigation canals in Chieng Xom commune, Son La city.

In Van Ho district, 135 irrigation works in 14 communes were effectively operated, ensuring irrigation water for nearly 2,130 hectares of crops and more than 42 hectares of aquaculture. Localities mobilized more than 4,000 working days to clear and dredge 114 km of irrigation canals; and repaired 50 works, with a cost of more than 400 million VND.

Mr. Thai Ba Sinh, Deputy Head of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Van Ho district, said: Most of the rice and vegetable growing areas of the district are located in low-lying areas, so the irrigation system plays a key role in supplying water for irrigation and drainage. The department has advised the district People's Committee to direct communes to review, repair and effectively operate irrigation canals. In the face of heavy rain causing flooding, the unit has instructed localities to temporarily build dykes to drain water quickly, limiting damage to crops.

With the active participation of all levels, sectors, localities and the initiative of the people in managing and exploiting the irrigation system, it helps farmers proactively expand the cultivated area and develop sustainable agriculture.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/xa-hoi/quan-ly-hieu-qua-he-thong-thuy-loi-N9KNCoPNR.html