The Hoà Bình hydropower dam, the largest in Việt Nam and the second largest in Southeast Asia. Photo dantri.com.vn

HÀ NỘI The operation of hydropower dams must not have negative impacts on public security or production, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has said.

In a document sent to Vietnam Electricity (EVN), the ministry said it has received the group's plans for its hydropower dams in the dry season.

The ministry said it had studied EVN’s recommendations. Based on the current status of water levels in reservoirs, as well as meteorological and hydrological developments and operational data, the ministry had agreed that adjustments to water discharged in the early months of the dry season to save water for the peak months were necessary.

However, it said this must not impact households downstream.

The ministry has agreed with EVN’s proposal to adjust the schedules at the Hoà Bình, Thác Bà and Tuyên Quang reservoirs in the Hồng (Red) River Basin.

EVN has been instructed to coordinate closely with Sông Đà Clean Water Joint Stock Company to ensure intake at the Đà River Water Plant.

It would also work closely with localities downstream to ensure the operation of reservoirs did not affect production or safety.

The ministry has also issued a document on the operation of the Sê San 4 Reservoir in Gia Lai Province.

EVN has been directed to closely co-ordinate with the Sê San hydropower development company to discharge water downstream as required.

For the Hủa Na and Cửa Đạt reservoirs in the Mã river basin, the Bản Vẽ reservoir in the Cả river basin, and the A Vương, Sông Bung 4, Sông Bung 4A and ĐăkMi 4 reservoirs in the Vu Gia-Thu Bồn river basin, the ministry has asked EVN and the operators to coordinate with localities to agree on plans to discharge water.

The plans must ensure safe water supplies for people on the basis of inter-reservoir operating procedures.

The ministry would consider and adjust the schedules for each reservoir as needed, while EVN would be in charge of reporting any problems, it said. VNS