In early June, the water level at Hoa Binh Lake dropped to a record low, a series of underground rocks, which were under the water all year round, suddenly rose to the ground, creating a strange and attractive scene.
According to Lao Dong, in the Bich Ha port area (Noi hamlet, Thung Nai commune), the lake water has receded tens of meters, leaving a field of sand and rocks like a rock in the middle of the desert. Soil, rocks, waste, traces of rotten ancient trees and even plastic bottles are clearly hidden among the dry mud.
I have lived here for nearly 20 years. Before Son La Hydropower Plant, the water level was low, but since the addition of Son La Dam, this was the first time I had seen the water level of Hoa Binh Lake drop so low. It must be reduced by more than 40m from the normal water level, and all the rocks will rise" - Mr. Nguyen Van Duy, a resident of Moi hamlet shared.
According to the people, the shallow water makes many tourist boats unable to dock as before, making it difficult to travel by water. Some cage fish owners also have to move their farming areas to avoid fish dying from shallow water and pollution.
However, in the dry picture, there are still bright spots. Many tourists have come here to admire and take photos with unique stone fields, which were once only seen in the highlands.
"At first, I planned to take a boat to visit the lake, but when I saw this scene, I was really surprised. The rocky plains rise spectacularly, some places are like stone waterfalls, some places are like small alleys. The scenery is very interesting and rare" - Mr. Le Van Hoa, a tourist from Nam Dinh expressed.
Some young people even took the opportunity to pose, film videos, and take photos to "live virtual" right on the tilted rocky fields. "We did not expect to see the bottom of the lake with our own eyes like this in the middle of summer. The scenery reminds me of a wild film set, and will definitely return in the drainage season next year a group of young people from Hanoi excitedly said.
Some local people quickly adapted to the new landscape: climbing boats to crawl into the rock holes to fish, dig snails or fish for nets. The small boats and machines quietly squeeze through the rare remaining streams, creating a simple scene.
However, the negative side of this phenomenon is also clearly revealed: the layer of waste, bottles, and plastic bags from the bottom of the lake are peeled off, lying everywhere, reflecting the potential pollution that has been underwater for a long time.
On June 8, speaking with Lao Dong, Mr. Pham Van Vuong - Director of Hoa Binh Hydropower Company - said: "The current low water level of Hoa Binh Lake is included in the general exploitation plan of the power system in 2025 and is completely in accordance with the approved operating process.
In fact, the water level is currently at more than 85m - lower than the same period last year but is still normal, and the dead water level is more than 5m away, so it does not affect power generation".
According to Mr. Vuong, the Hoa Binh Hydropower Project is taking advantage of this time to demolish the surrounding dike and is expected to end on June 15.
Another reason is that recently, Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant has also been rising to ensure electricity supply, which also reduces the lake's water level.
Some images recorded at Hoa Binh Lake:
