Directive of the Prime Minister of Vietnam on strengthening the prevention and control of heatwaves, droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion

Directive of the Prime Minister of Vietnam on strengthening the prevention and control of heatwaves, droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion (Internet image)

Regarding this matter, LawNet would like to answer as follows:

On April 1, 2024, the Prime Minister of Vietnam issued Directive 11/CT-TTg on enhancing the implementation of measures to prevent and control heatwaves, droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion.

Directive of the Prime Minister of Vietnam on strengthening the prevention and control of heatwaves, droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion

To limit damage to production and the livelihoods of the people, the Prime Minister has instructed the Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally-run cities and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to closely monitor the situation and strengthen the direction and implementation of timely and effective measures to cope with extreme weather conditions, especially heatwaves, droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion, and focus on the following tasks:

(1) Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and centrally-run cities, particularly those in the Central Region and the Mekong Delta

- Directing local authorities to closely monitor and forecast weather, meteorology, hydrology, water sources, and saline intrusion; gathering and updating information on water sources in the area to develop appropriate plans and strategies to prevent and control heatwaves, droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion. Organizing communication and guidance to encourage people to proactively store fresh water, use water efficiently, and prevent water loss and waste.

- Complying with the instructions and guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and relevant ministries and agencies to implement timely and effective measures to prevent and control heatwaves, droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion. In cases of water shortages that cannot meet all needs, prioritize water supply for daily life, irrigation of economically valuable perennial crops, and other essential needs. Efficiently operating irrigation systems and water infrastructure to secure water supply for irrigation during water shortages and minimize damage to production, especially in agriculture.

- Identifying areas at risk of water shortages for daily life and proactively implementing measures to ensure water supply for the people. Mobilizing resources and transportation vehicles to provide water when necessary.

- Dredging canals and water reservoirs to restore and increase water storage capacity, while complying with legal requirements for construction materials. Assessing the water availability of irrigation systems, especially along rivers experiencing low water levels and increased saltwater intrusion, to implement appropriate adaptation measures.

- Allocating local budgets to implement measures to prevent and control droughts and saline intrusion. Prioritizing funds to accelerate the construction, repair, and upgrade of water supply infrastructure, water source management, especially centralized water supply systems, riverside water intakes, and freshwater reservoirs.

(2) Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development:

- Proactively and timely monitoring and forecasting water sources, saline intrusion, and providing information to affected areas and residents. Directing, guiding, and urging local authorities to implement appropriate and effective measures to cope with droughts and saline intrusion, reducing damages.

- Directing and expediting the progress of irrigation and rural water supply projects to ensure early operation and maximum effectiveness.

- Operating irrigation systems efficiently to coordinate water resources and meet the water needs of different users. Modernizing and optimizing the operation of irrigation systems, preventing water loss and waste.

- Leading and coordinating with relevant ministries, departments, and local authorities to assess the impact of low water levels on inter-provincial river systems and propose solutions to ensure the operation of irrigation systems.

- Synthesizing and reporting the situation of droughts, water shortages, and saline intrusion in localities. Actively collaborating with the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies to review, propose, and report to the Prime Minister for timely support to localities in implementing drought and saline intrusion response activities in accordance with the law.

More details can be found in Directive 11/CT-TTg, dated April 1, 2024.

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