Directive No. 03/1998/CT-TTg on urgent measures to prevent and combat drought and protect spring crop production in 1998.

DIRECTIVE
On urgent measures to prevent and control drought and protect spring crop production in 1998
In late 1997 and early 1998, rainfall and river flow in all river basins across the country were significantly lower than the long-term average, particularly in some areas in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, which experienced severe water shortages and drought. 

To proactively address adverse weather conditions, prevent potential drought and water shortages that could affect agricultural and industrial production, reduce water levels in reservoirs of hydropower projects, and increase saltwater intrusion in some coastal areas, the Prime Minister instructs ministries, sectors, and People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities to immediately implement the following urgent matters:

1. Organize lessons learned from the implementation of the Law on Exploitation and Protection of Waterworks and Decree No. 98/CP dated December 27, 1995 of the Government, and Directive No. 487/TTg dated July 30, 1996 of the Prime Minister on strengthening state management over water resources.

2. Strengthen management of water exploitation and use in a reasonable and economical manner. Sectors and localities should actively assess, inspect, and review their own water usage needs; proactively develop plans and measures to mitigate potential water shortages to ensure stable water supply for production and daily life.

- Develop plans for water exploitation, use, and regulation among sectors and localities to meet water requirements for production and daily life.

3. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development:

- Develop specific drought prevention and control plans for each region and area; direct localities to adjust planting seasons and crop structures according to available water sources, aiming to:

Where there is still the ability to resolve water sources, expand rice production; where there is a lack of water, switch to growing cash crops, ensuring no land is left idle.

- Inspect and urge localities to effectively implement drought prevention and control measures, ensuring sufficient water supply for the winter-spring crop season 1997-1998 and the summer-autumn crop season in 1998.

- Closely monitor saltwater intrusion in coastal provinces, directing localities to plan repairs for saltwater barriers, regulate freshwater, dredge and repair canals, and use water reasonably.

4. Vietnam Electricity Corporation:

- Lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to develop a reasonable water regulation plan from hydropower reservoirs to ensure effective operation of the project, meeting power generation plans and water needs for production under all circumstances.

- Ensure stable electricity supply to effectively support drought prevention efforts.

5. National Hydrology Meteorology Center:

- Enhance monitoring, forecasting, and timely information provision to sectors and localities about weather developments.

- Analyze and determine the intensity, duration, and likelihood of drought to enable sectors and localities to take appropriate countermeasures.

- Evaluate the impact of drought on economic and social activities and the environment.

6. People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities are responsible for:

- Organizing investigations and assessments of water reserves at their respective locations according to the classification and guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

- Inspecting the operation of waterworks within their jurisdiction, promptly addressing any malfunctions; implementing measures to regulate water to increase storage capacity in reservoirs and waterworks; dredging and repairing canals, and implementing drought prevention measures locally.

- Organizing propaganda and mobilizing the people to participate in drought prevention and protection of production in drought-stricken areas; organizations, units, and individuals enhancing awareness of reasonable and economical water use.

Ministers of Ministries, Heads of ministerial-level agencies and agencies under the Government, Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities are responsible for directing and strictly implementing this Directive.

The Ministers of the ministries, the Heads of ministerial-level agencies and government agencies, and the Chairpersons of the People's Committees of the provinces and centrally governed cities are responsible for directing and strictly implementing this Directive.