Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường (TN&MT) has just released the first water supply scenarios for six important river basins: Bang Giang – Ky Cong, Ma, Huong, Se San, Srepok, and Dong Nai. These scenarios highlight the risk of local water shortages in certain areas during this year’s dry season due to insufficient rainfall, low flow rates, and inconsistent water extraction capabilities.
The Ky Cong River flowing through Lang Son City, Lang Son Province (Photo: Dai Doan Ket).
Risks of Water Shortages in Major River Basins
Bang Giang – Ky Cong River Basin
In the Bang Giang – Ky Cong river basin, localized water shortages are expected to occur in the Bac Giang sub-basin and the Mo Pia area within the Ky Cong sub-basin. The main causes include insufficient rainfall, weak flow, underdeveloped irrigation systems, and an inconsistent approach to water extraction infrastructure.
Ma River Basin
In the Ma river basin, areas in Dien Bien, Son La, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa provinces are at risk of experiencing localized water shortages. This is due to the lack of effective water storage facilities and irrigation systems to meet the population’s water needs.
Huong River Basin
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), the Huong river basin faces the risk of localized water shortages in May and June, particularly when the Tach Trach, Binh Dien, and Huong Dien reservoirs cannot adequately provide water for agriculture and hydropower. This could lead to severe drought at the end of the dry season.
Dong Nai and Be Rivers Basin
Water sources in some sub-basins of the Dong Nai and Be rivers are also at risk of shortages if not managed properly. Provinces like Lam Dong, Dak Nong, Binh Phuoc, and Binh Thuan may face water difficulties in affected regions due to incomplete irrigation systems.
Se San River Basin
The situation in the Se San river basin is relatively stable thanks to water from hydropower reservoirs on the main river. However, some downstream areas still face the risk of drought due to the lack of active water distribution systems from irrigation reservoirs.
Fishing communities depend on the Se San River (Photo: Pham Hoang).
Solutions and Recommendations from MNRE
To address localized water shortages, the MNRE has proposed several specific measures:
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development: Review and enhance the capacity of irrigation reservoirs, adjust operational procedures to conserve water and protect the environment.
- Ministry of Industry and Trade: Direct the Vietnam Electricity Corporation and related units to develop plans for managing hydropower reservoirs to ensure water availability downstream, support agricultural activities, and mitigate drought risks.
- Provincial and Municipal People’s Committees: Develop water regulation and storage projects in water resource planning, prioritizing vulnerable areas. Additionally, strictly control wastewater discharge to prevent pollution.
Conclusion
Effective, sustainable, and efficient management of water resources is crucial in preventing localized water shortages in major river basins in Vietnam. Close cooperation among localities and ministries is necessary to implement timely solutions, ensuring water availability for daily life and production, especially amid increasingly complex climate change challenges. Let’s work together to protect this valuable resource for the sustainable development of our country.
