The Department of Water Resources Management under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment held a workshop in Da Nang on Monday to discuss the implementation of a comprehensive planning for the Vu Gia - Thu Bon river basin during the 2021-2030 period with a vision towards 2050.

Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Hong An (middle) suggests that it is necessary to clearly identify backup water sources for domestic water supply in case of a water pollution incident. Photo: HOANG HIEP

During the workshop, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Hong An proposed that the content of exploiting water resources of the Vu Gia River upstream of the An Trach irrigation system or Thu Bon River to supply water for the city should be included in the planning.

The focus should be on carrying out water source regulation and rectification works on the Quang Hue River to stabilise the distribution ratio between the Vu Gia and Thu Bon rivers, and upgrading the An Trach irrigation system (including An Trach, Thanh Quyt, Bau Nit and Ha Thanh dams).

Deputy Director An undertook the necessity to clearly identify backup water sources for domestic water supply in case of water pollution incidents; take solutions to effectively protect aquatic resources and response plans when water pollution incidents occur throughout the basin; and develop plans to ensure water security across the entire basin.

Former Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Huynh Van Thang suggested Da Nang build a pumping station in the upstream area of Giao Thuy Bridge along with a pipeline system to collect water from the Thu Bon River to serve the city’s clean water supply.

He asked authorities in Quang Nam Province to research the exploitation of Thu Bon River water to supply Hoi An City and Dien Ban Town without having to build hard dams to block the Vinh Dien River to ensure important waterway transportation on this river.

Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Quang Nam Province Truong Xuan Ty requested the Department of Water Resources Management to update the list of priority projects in the Planning for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Irrigation for the 2021-2030 period with a vision towards 2050, including: investment in water source regulation projects, and upgrading dams of An Trach, Thanh Quyt, Bau Nit and Ha Thanh.

Reporting by HOANG HIEP - Translating by M.DUNG