On March 21, in an exchange with reporters, leaders of Ta Van Commune People's Committee, Lao Cai province said that through inspection, survey and assessment of the actual situation of surface water pollution at Seo Chong Ho hydropower reservoir, belonging to Seo My Ty village, the government has assigned responsibility to Viet Trung Power Investment Co., Ltd. to supervise and directly implement water source cleanup plans.
On March 20 and 21, Viet Trung Power Investment Co., Ltd. implemented a plan to suck out dirty scum, collect lake surface waste and sprinkle lime to neutralize water.
In addition to surface treatment, the management unit of Seo Chong Ho Hydropower Plant is also urgently developing a plan to dredge the reservoir to ensure water quality in the long term.
According to statistics, there are currently about 20 organizations and individuals raising cold-water fish on Seo My Ty Lake with more than 400 cages, mainly sturgeon, posing a potential risk to the environment and the safety of hydropower projects.
Ta Van Commune People's Committee determined that this is one of the potential causes of pollution, and also affects the safety of the project and water resource management.
The government requires households to complete the relocation of all cages and rafts before March 30, 2026.
Cases arising or not complying must complete the relocation no later than April 15, 2026.
Seo My Ty Lake is originally the water source of Seo Chong Ho Hydropower Plant (Viet Trung Power Investment Co., Ltd. is the investor).
The lake water used to be crystal clear, but recently, the dense appearance of illegal fish farming cages has disrupted the ecosystem. Hundreds of cages crowd the lake surface, discharging waste directly into the water, turning the once-healthy place into a "contaminated bag".
People living around the lake said that the air around the lake at times becomes stuffy. On hot sunny days, strong winds, the stench spreads throughout the village, forcing households to close their doors, even leave to avoid the stench.
