Latest water resources planning procedures in Vietnam

Latest water resources planning procedures in Vietnam (Internet image) 

On November 24, 2023, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment issued Official Dispatch 3469/QD-BTNMT, announcing internal administrative procedures in the field of water resources in the state administrative system under the management function of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Latest water resources planning procedures in Vietnam

(1) Implementation sequence

- Step 1: Make planning

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is responsible for organizing water resource planning.

- Step 2: Get opinions on planning

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is responsible for sending documents for comments on the draft water resources planning to the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial-level People's Committees and residential communities, agencies, organizations and individuals related to water resources planning.

In case the planning is related to borders, islands, or strategic positions for national defense and security, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment must agree with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security on the planning content before sending for comments on the planning.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment posts the content of the draft water resources planning (except for content related to state secrets as prescribed by law) on the Ministry's website for at least 30 days from the date of sending the dossier for comments on the planning.

- Step 3: Respond to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

The Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, ministries, ministerial-level agencies and provincial-level People's Committees are responsible for responding in writing within 30 days from the date of receipt of the dossier for comments on the draft water resources planning.

- Step 4: Synthesize, receive, explain comments, and complete the planning to submit to the Planning Appraisal Council

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment synthesizes, explains, and receives comments to complete the draft planning and submit it to the Water Resources Planning Appraisal Council.

- Step 5: Complete the planning according to the conclusions of the Appraisal Council and submit it to the Prime Minister for approval.

(2) Implementation method: Not specified.

(3) Composition and quantity of documents

- Proposal and Draft Decision approving water resource planning.

- Planning report: General explanatory report; Summary report.

- Strategic environmental assessment report.

- Report explaining and receiving comments from ministries, branches, and localities on planning and accompanying comments.

- Planning appraisal report; copies of opinions of experts, socio-professional organizations and other relevant organizations; independent review consultant's review report (if any);

- Report explaining and receiving appraisal opinions.

- System of diagrams, maps, and planning databases.

(4) Time limit for resolution: No more than 24 months from the date the water resources planning task is approved by the Prime Minister.

(5) Subject carrying out administrative procedures: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

(6) Agency handling administrative procedures: Prime Minister.

(7) Results of implementing administrative procedures: Decision approving water resources planning by the Prime Minister.

(8) Fees and charges (if any): According to the provisions of law on public investment.

More details can be found in Official Dispatch 3469/QD-BTNMT taking effect on November 24, 2023.

Ho Quoc Tuan

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE