Vietnam's hydropower projects under scrutiny

Vietnam's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will launch investigations into hydropower projects in nine provinces.

This wasbrought about by the green light given by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and local governments to a number of hydroelectric projects without seeking a consensus with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Since provincial authorities have approved a number of small-sized hydropower projects in recent years, the ministry said it is hard to count precisely the number of such projects across the country.

“It is necessary to address the issues of land use, environmental impact and water resource management at hydropower plants as both central and local agencies have easily granted approval to those projects in recent times,” said Mai Thanh Dung, head of Environment Impact Evaluation and Assessment Department.

If the ministry detects any violations of land use, forest reservation or water resource management, it will impose strict fines. If the ministry discovers that existing hydropower plants are adversely affecting water sources in downstream areas, it will request investors to regulate water discharge, Dung said.

* Duc Long Gia Lai Group has invited the Institute for Environment and Resources to reassess the impact of two hydropower projects – Dong Nai 6 and Dong Nai 6A – on the environment, said Pham Hung, managing director of the company.

The group has shown its determination to pursue this project after controversies last year over the great impact on the Cat Tien nature reserves.

Leading experts of the institute are conducting a field survey in a bid to reassess the environment impact of the two power plants. The survey result will be presented to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment by the year-end.

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