Nghe An requests hydropower plants to coordinate water discharge to fight drought

The telegram stated: Currently, it is the peak period for irrigation water supply for summer-autumn crop production, but the weather situation is extremely unfavorable: Insignificant short-term rain, intense heat, some places are especially intense, lasting with high temperatures commonly 37 - 40^oC, in some places above 41°C; combined with southwest wind, prolonged foehn effect, water level on river banks drops, water level of Ca river at upstream of Nam Dan sluice is lowest at 0.5m design level 1.15m.

Water levels in reservoirs are low, many lakes have dried up, water shortages and droughts have occurred on a large scale, and saltwater is at risk of intruding deep into estuaries and coastal areas.

According to the forecast of the North Central Hydrometeorological Station, the widespread heat wave may last for many more days, possibly until early July.

Content of the telegram.

To cope with the hot and dry weather and ensure water for the 2019 summer-autumn crop production and daily life, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee requests: Directors of Departments, Heads of relevant Boards and Branches: Chairmen of People's Committees of districts, cities and towns; Directors of Irrigation, Hydropower and Electricity LLCs to urgently carry out the following urgent tasks:

The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee requested the Chairmen of the People's Committees of districts, cities and towns to closely coordinate with the Irrigation Companies in the area, proactively mobilize forces, equipment, diesel pumps, field electric pumps, and utilize all water sources to pump irrigation for production and supply water for daily life and people.

Regularly check, review, and balance water resources to adjust the 2019 summer-autumn crop production plan to suit local conditions; Convert crop structure and seasons appropriately; areas that do not have enough water for irrigation throughout the season must be converted to other crops or change crops to ensure the entire planned area is planted. Direct and guide people on drought-fighting measures for industrial crops and fruit trees such as tea, coffee, sugarcane, oranges, and pineapples.

Hundreds of hectares of rice of Do Luong people have no water for pruning. Photo: Document

Request the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to closely monitor the weather, climate and drought situation; Coordinate with the North Central Hydrometeorological Station to grasp forecast information; Send staff to the localities to direct and guide localities to effectively implement drought prevention and control measures; Coordinate with the People's Committees of districts, cities and towns to direct the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Economic Department), Irrigation LLCs to strictly manage water resources, prevent leakage and water loss in reservoirs, distribute water reasonably, economically and effectively.

Direct the coordination of irrigation management units with electricity agencies to ensure timely electricity supply for pumping stations to operate water supply; Coordinate with hydropower plants: Ban Ve, Khe Bo, Chi Khe to determine water demand in downstream areas, report to the Provincial People's Committee, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to adjust water discharge plans in a timely manner.

The Provincial People's Committee also requested the hydropower plants: Ban Ve, Khe Bo, Chi Khe to closely coordinate with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to unify the water discharge plan associated with the water use needs for daily life and production in the downstream areas.

In addition, the Provincial People's Committee also requested the Department of Industry and Trade, Nghe An Electricity Company, Irrigation Limited Companies, Nghe An Newspaper, Provincial Radio and Television Station, and provincial departments and branches according to their functions and tasks to proactively coordinate effectively in implementing drought prevention and control work.