On September 11, according to PV's research, the People's Committee of Cao Bang province recently issued Decision No. 39/2025/QD-UBND, along with detailed regulations on the assignment and decentralization of authority to appraise and approve important documents related to the safety of hydropower reservoirs in the province.
The regulation applies to all hydropower works from large to small, except for small hydropower works with dams under 5m high or reservoirs under 50,000m3. The subjects responsible for implementation include departments, branches, commune-level People's Committees and related organizations and individuals.
In particular, the Department of Industry and Trade is primarily responsible for receiving, organizing appraisal and submitting to the Provincial People's Committee for approval for works with an affected scope of 2 communes or more, inter-provincial works or especially important works.
The People's Committee at the commune level is assigned the authority to directly appraise and approve hydropower projects located in only one commune (except for particularly important projects). The professional agency on industry and trade at the commune level will support the implementation of this work.
Decision 39 demonstrates the main principles in safe operation of dams such as: Complying with legal regulations; Clearly defining authority, avoiding overlap; Strengthening the proactiveness and responsibility of commune-level People's Committees; Improving management efficiency, promptly handling risks, ensuring safety for residents in downstream areas.
The People's Committee of Cao Bang province directs relevant departments such as the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Department of Construction and the Civil Defense Commands at all levels to coordinate with the Department of Industry and Trade in the appraisal process. In case of problems, units must promptly report to the Provincial People's Committee for adjustment and supplementation.
