The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed stopping the construction of new small hydropower plants.
Minister Tran Tuan Anh requested localities to stop building small hydropower projects that are in the planning but have not yet been invested in.
In a document recently sent to localities, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh requested that these projects be implemented only after the assessment results ensure the following criteria: no major, negative impact on the environment; no major impact on residents; no encroachment on natural forest land; and economic efficiency.
In addition, no consideration, research, or proposal has been made to add hydropower projects with a capacity of less than 10MW to the planning.
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| A hydroelectric plant is built on Dak Mi River, Phuoc Son District, Quang Nam. Photo: Internet |
The Minister also emphasized the need to continue reviewing.hydropower planning, remove from the planning projects that do not ensure economic efficiency, occupy natural forests, affect residents and have negative impacts on the environment.
For projects that have been operated or are under construction, the Ministry of Industry and Trade proposes to strengthen inspection and review of construction quality management, ensure construction safety, meet environmental requirements, regulations on construction investment, especially projects located in areas with high risk of flash floods, landslides and landslides. Accordingly, investors who do not comply with regulations will be strictly handled, including consideration of revoking licenses and stopping construction for remedial measures.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade also noted the operation. Projects need to be reviewed and adjusted for points that are not suitable to actual climate and hydrological conditions, minimizing the impact of flood discharge on downstream areas. The Ministry also proposed that localities need to strengthen inspection and handle violations against dam owners who do not comply with operating procedures.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade said that in the coming time, it will work directly with localities on hydropower development.
