Hydroelectric reservoirs continue to increase discharge rates to 'save' rice crops.

According to information from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the 2023 spring rice crop is currently entering the flowering stage. This is one of the periods with high water demand. If the water shortage continues in the coming days, there is a high risk of reduced rice yield and production.

However, the water level of the Lam River is currently low, and pumping stations along the river are not operating, leading to a water shortage affecting over 1,000 hectares of rice fields in Thanh Chuong and Do Luong districts. Meanwhile, according to forecasts from the North Central Meteorological and Hydrological Station, there will be no rain in the area in the coming period, and the water level of the Lam River is expected to decrease.

The Trung Son pumping station (Do Luong district) had to cease operations in mid-March 2023 due to low water levels in the Lam River. (Photo: Phu Huong)

To ensure water supply for pumping stations along the Lam River, especially those in Do Luong and Thanh Chuong districts, and based on the proposal from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the People's Committee of Nghe An province issued Document No. 3060/UBND-NN, agreeing on the water regulation plan for the Ban Ve, Khe Bo, and Chi Khe hydroelectric reservoirs.

In February 2023, thanks to efforts to regulate water levels and increased discharge from hydroelectric reservoirs, pumping stations along the Lam River in Thanh Chuong and Do Luong districts were operational, providing water for the 2023 spring rice planting season. (Photo: Phu Huong)

Specifically, from April 22nd, 2023 to April 26th, 2023, the Ban Ve, Khe Bo, and Chi Khe hydropower reservoirs will operate daily, releasing water downstream as follows: The Ban Ve reservoir will operate to ensure an average total discharge of no less than 200.0 m³.³The Khe Bo reservoir, operating continuously for no less than 13 hours/day, must ensure a discharge flow rate of no less than 280.0 m³.³/s, the remaining time ensures that the discharge volume is not less than 95.5 m³.³/s; Chi Khe reservoir operates with continuous water discharge, with the total discharge flow equivalent to the inflow into the reservoir.

From April 27th, 2023 to April 30th, 2023, the Ban Ve, Khe Bo, and Chi Khe hydropower reservoirs will operate water regulation and other activities remain unchanged as per Official Letter No. 2641/UBND-NN dated April 11th, 2023 of the People's Committee of Nghe An province. Specifically, the Ban Ve reservoir will operate daily to ensure an average total discharge of no less than 65 m³.³/s, Khe Bo reservoir operates with continuous water discharge at a flow rate of no less than 95.5m³.³/s, Chi Khe reservoir operates with continuous water discharge, with the total discharge flow equivalent to the inflow into the reservoir.

Khe Bo hydroelectric reservoir. Photo courtesy of Nghe An Newspaper.

The document also stated that, during implementation, based on the actual water usage situation and weather conditions, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to request the release of water from the Ban Ve, Khe Bo, and Chi Khe hydropower reservoirs at appropriate flow rates to ensure efficient and economical water supply for production and daily life in the downstream areas.