Spring arrives on the Nho Que River.

In the early days of spring, standing on a high cliff overlooking the emerald green Nho Que River winding through the Tu San gorge, one easily feels as if time is slowing down. The river, once fierce amidst the vast forests, is now gentle in the spring sunshine, silently carrying electricity to all corners of the country. Few know that behind this beauty lies a year of persistent, silent labor by those dedicated to the Nho Que hydroelectric complex – the “keepers of the river” in the far north of the country.

The Nho Quế 1 hydroelectric reservoir contributes to the development of local tourism .

Over the past year, despite unfavorable weather conditions—a late rainy season and water levels in the reservoirs at times significantly lower than the multi-year average—the Nho Que hydropower plants have maintained safe and stable operation. During their overnight shifts, the lights in the control rooms shine brightly amidst the mountains and forests, where engineers and workers carefully monitor every parameter and every rotation of the turbines. For them, Tet (Lunar New Year) is not a time to stop, but rather an added responsibility to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the nation's reunion days.

The electricity from Nho Que not only illuminates the streets but also silently contributes to changing the face of the highlands. Thanks to the revenue contributed by the hydropower plants, many public works projects have been invested in, concrete roads extend to remote villages, and schools are renovated to be more spacious and modern before the new school year. In the highland communes of Dong Van, Meo Vac, and Yen Minh, the story of hydropower is no longer unfamiliar, as its presence has been intertwined with every step of local development.

The emerald green Nho Que River creates a highlight for tourism in the rocky plateau region.

Recalling the heavy rains of the year, people in the downstream areas still feel anxious, but the smooth coordination between the Nho Que hydropower complex and the local authorities has proven effective. Flood release information was transmitted promptly, and the water flow was regulated appropriately, contributing to minimizing the risk of flash floods and landslides – a constant nightmare in this rocky region. For the people, the safety of their villages sometimes begins with accurate decisions made in the control room deep in the mountains.

Beyond electricity production, hydropower plants on the Nho Que River have left a lasting impression through their compassionate social welfare activities. Trucks carrying gifts up rocky slopes to reach impoverished households, scholarships awarded to highland students before the start of the new school year, and early Tet (Lunar New Year) gifts sent to needy families… these are all done quietly, without fanfare, but are enough to warm hearts during the bitterly cold winter days in the rocky plateau.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of industrial life, the Nho Que hydropower complex maintains its harmony with nature. Mr. Hoang Van Chien, Director of the Nho Que hydropower complex, shared: "Environmental protection, maintaining minimum flow rates, planting trees, and collecting waste are carried out regularly. The river remains green, the mountains still stand majestically, and the villages retain their traditional way of life. This is the approach that hydropower developers have chosen for development, not sacrificing the landscape for short-term gains, but aiming for long-term sustainability for this border region."

Foreign tourists enjoy admiring the scenery on the Nho Quế 1 hydroelectric reservoir.

This Tet holiday, many hydropower plant workers will not be able to return home to reunite with their families. They will celebrate New Year's Eve right at the plant, with a simple meal, amidst the steady hum of the machinery. Although there are no dazzling fireworks, in their hearts is an indescribable pride for having contributed to keeping the electricity flowing and making spring more complete in places they have never set foot in.

Spring has returned to the Nho Que River. The river continues to flow, carrying the energy of the rocks, the water, and the people of the highlands. The contributions of the Nho Que hydroelectric complex over the past year are not only recognized by numbers, but are also evident in the bright lights illuminating the winter nights, in the newly opened roads, and in the smiles of the children of the highlands every time Tet (Lunar New Year) comes and spring arrives.

Kim Tien

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/kinh-te/202602/xuan-ve-tren-dong-nho-que-ae96b4a/