On April 5, according to PV's investigation, Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee issued a decision approving the list of 132 dam and reservoir works that must build operating coordination regulations.
The development of regulations aims to ensure the safety of works, downstream areas and improve the efficiency of water resource exploitation.
According to the decision, the whole province has 132 projects subject to regulation, including 96 hydropower projects and 36 irrigation projects, distributed on 27 river and stream routes.
The works are concentrated in many important basins such as Chay River, Ngoi Thia, Ngoi Mu, Nam Tuc, Nam Tia, Ngoi San, Nam Tha, Ngoi Bo, Nam Nhun, Ngoi Duong, Suoi Trat...
The Provincial People's Committee requests full updates of basic technical parameters such as reservoir capacity, normal water level, designed flood water level, discharge flow and form of overflow discharge.
The establishment of regulations is carried out on the basis of the 2023 Law on Water Resources and guiding decrees, which clearly stipulate the authority of the Provincial People's Committee in approving the list of lakes and dams on rivers and streams that need to be jointly operated.
According to requirements, the regulations must ensure the principles of safe operation of works, safety of downstream areas; specifically stipulate the coordination of water regulation in the rainy and flood season and dry season.
Determine the responsibilities of management and operation units as well as local functional agencies; and at the same time ensure the maintenance of minimum flow according to regulations.
The Provincial People's Committee assigned the Lao Cai Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment to preside over and coordinate with the Lao Cai Provincial Department of Industry and Trade to guide relevant units to develop regulations.
After completion, the plans will be summarized and submitted to the Provincial People's Committee for consideration and approval.
The deadline for completing the development of operating coordination regulations for all of the above-mentioned projects is before July 30, 2026.
Along with that, the People's Committees of communes, wards and project managers are required to strengthen coordination and organize the implementation of decisions; regularly monitor and supervise the operation of lakes and dams, especially in extreme weather conditions, in order to promptly respond and ensure safety.
