Prime Minister of Vietnam requests proactive measures for drought, water shortage, and saltwater intrusion prevention and control

Prime Minister of Vietnam requests proactive measures for drought, water shortage, and saltwater intrusion prevention and control​ (Image from the internet)

On December 8, 2024, the Prime Minister of the Government of Vietnam issued Official Telegram 128/CD-TTg concerning the proactive prevention and control of drought, water shortage, and saltwater intrusion.

Prime Minister of Vietnam requests proactive measures for drought, water shortage, and saltwater intrusion prevention and control​

To proactively prevent, control, and mitigate impacts during periods of drought, water shortage, and saltwater intrusion, the Prime Minister of the Government of Vietnam requires:

- Ministers of various Ministries, Chairmen of the People's Committees of provinces and cities under Central jurisdiction, especially those in the South Central Coast, Central Highlands, and Mekong Delta regions, to direct reviews and assessments of water resource capabilities, develop appropriate water usage plans to support production and business activities, especially ensuring adequate water supply for the population during peak months of heatwaves, droughts, and saltwater intrusion.

- The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam shall:

+ Direct the close monitoring of weather, hydrology, and water resources, promptly providing information on current conditions and short-term and long-term forecasts related to hydrology, water resources, risk of drought, water shortage, and saltwater intrusion, especially in the Mekong Delta and Central and Central Highlands regions, so that authorities, localities, and citizens can be aware and actively implement preventive measures, preventing any unforeseen or unexpected situations.

+ Organize the collection of information on water resources conditions, operational regulation of hydroelectric reservoirs outside Vietnamese territory, and water usage of countries at the upstream of transboundary rivers to serve water resource forecast work for the Mekong Delta and some large reservoirs nationwide.

+ Direct and guide the operational regulation of water reservoirs to actively reserve water for domestic supply, electricity generation, and agricultural production, especially during the peak heat months at the beginning of 2025.

- The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam shall:

+ Organize monitoring, proactively direct the implementation of measures to prevent, control, and remediate the consequences of drought, water shortage, and saltwater intrusion suitable for actual conditions at each time and region; direct and guide localities to adjust cropping seasons, organize production to minimize impacts on agricultural production, especially in the Mekong Delta region.

+ Coordinate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and related provincial People's Committees to direct the flexible and effective operation of irrigation reservoirs, hydroelectric reservoirs, and irrigation systems to optimally and effectively exploit water resources, ensuring water supply for domestic use, agricultural production, and power generation, especially during peak heat periods.

- The Minister of Industry and Trade to direct ensuring electricity for business production and people's daily needs, maximizing the efficiency of electricity from hydroelectric plants in accordance with water regulation plans for production and domestic needs.

- Chairmen of the People's Committees of provinces and cities under Central jurisdiction, especially those in the Mekong Delta, South Central Coast, and Central Highlands regions: Organize the monitoring of weather developments, meteorological and hydrological forecasts, drought, and saltwater intrusion; identify the impact level on each locality to proactively implement specific response measures following the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and suit local actual conditions, instructing people to actively reserve freshwater, use water economically and efficiently; prioritize ensuring the supply of domestic water for people, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and other essential needs, firmly ensuring no resident lacks domestic water.

- Other Ministries, branches according to their assigned state management functions, actively direct, coordinate, and support localities in responding to and overcoming drought, water shortage, and saltwater intrusion, ensuring the livelihood of the population.

- The Office of the Government of Vietnam to monitor and urge in accordance with their assigned functions and duties.

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