On November 9, Son La Hydropower Company opened a bottom spillway to regulate the water level of the reservoir, caused by Tho Kha Ha Hydropower Plant (China) releasing floodwater in the Da River and Lai Chau Hydropower Plant opened the spillway to regulate the reservoir.
On November 11, a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper was present at the Son La Hydropower Dam area (Muong La commune) and recorded a different scene: while the white water flowing downstream, a emerald, flat blue painting appeared on the lake, reflecting the mountain ranges of the Northwest region.
During the days of Son La Hydropower Plant operating, the lake bed is still peaceful and clear. The water surface is calm, convenient for waterway traffic, attracting many groups of visitors to experience eco-tourism in Muong La and Quynh Nhai areas.
Mr. La Van Phong, Director of Quynh Nhai Tourism Joint Stock Company, shared: Tourists really like the green water in the lake in early winter of November and December. These days, the number of visitors has increased significantly, with three yachts on weekends that we welcome over 100 visitors/day".
Mr. Cam Van Minh's family in La Muong village, Muong La commune both raises fish in cages and provides a service to transport visitors to the lake. He said: "Previously, we only relied on fish farming and seasonal harvesting, now working in tourism, so our income is stable at over 200 million VND/year".
Son La Hydropower Reservoir is not only beautiful but also a livelihood space for hundreds of households around the lake. From cage fish farming, transportation services to community tourism, discovery experiences... are gradually becoming the main source of income for people, opening up a direction for sustainable development for the Da River reservoir area.
Ms. Luong Thu Trang - a tourist from To Hieu ward, shared: "What I like most about Son La lake is the peace and poetic landscape. Local cuisine is rich, people are friendly. This is a very worthwhile destination for the whole family to have a weekend break.
According to Son La Hydropower Company, as of 4:00 p.m. on November 11, the upstream water level reached 215.45 m; the water flow to the lake was 2,345 m3/s; the total discharge was 3,734 m3/s.
Mr. Khuong The Anh - Director of Son La Hydropower Company, said: The opening of a bottom spillway is closely monitored, ensuring absolute safety for the downstream area as well as activities on the lake.
Before operating the discharge, the company has widely notified localities to propagate and instruct people to proactively respond, said Mr. The Anh.
From the hydroelectric dam, the Son La reservoir is still spreading out the blue color - the beauty that blends the strength of the century's works and the peace of Northwest nature.
