Directive No. 03/2004/CT-TTg On Urgent Measures to Prevent and Combat Drought and Protect Winter-Spring and Summer-Autumn Crop Production in 2004

DIRECTIVE

On Urgent Measures to Prevent and Combat Drought and Protect Production for the Winter-Spring and Summer-Autumn Crops in 2004

 Since late 2003, weather conditions have been unfavorable, causing water shortages and drought for the Winter-Spring crop production in many localities. The flow of rivers in the Northern region, Central Vietnam, and other areas has decreased by 20-30% compared to the average over many years, with some places experiencing a decrease of up to 40%. The situation of water shortage and drought is complex and may spread widely.

To proactively prevent, combat, and mitigate the consequences caused by drought, ensuring sufficient water for daily life for the people, serving agricultural production and aquaculture, the Prime Minister instructs relevant ministries, sectors, and provincial People's Committees under the direct jurisdiction of the central government to immediately implement the following measures:

1. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall immediately direct localities to inspect and reassess the actual water sources in rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and underground water in each region and area to adjust planting seasons, crop structures, and livestock breeding in accordance with the current water resources. Direct and guide localities to switch to planting suitable vegetable crops in regions facing water scarcity.

2. Provincial People's Committees shall closely monitor the situation of water shortage, drought, and saltwater intrusion, and develop specific prevention and control plans for drought and water shortage for each sector and locality; take timely measures to minimize losses caused by water shortage and drought, protect production, and prevent forest fires.

- Mobilize forces to repair irrigation works, sluices, dredge canals, and promote water conservation.

- In areas where water is scarce, prioritize providing water for daily use and drinking for livestock. Where it is impossible to provide water locally, plan to transport water from other areas to supply the population. Proactively prevent forest fires and diseases that arise due to prolonged drought.

- Inspect and promptly assist the people in drought-stricken areas, resolutely preventing famine.

- Prepare necessary conditions such as seeds, fertilizers, materials, etc., to serve the planting of vegetables, short-term food crops to address food shortages during lean periods; at the same time, actively use local budgets according to regulations to support drought prevention work, protect production, and provide timely relief to the people.

3. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall direct the Meteorology and Hydrology sector to closely monitor weather and climate conditions, issue early warnings about drought and water shortages, and promptly inform relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to effectively respond.

4. The Ministry of Industry, Vietnam Electricity Corporation shall closely cooperate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and localities to reasonably regulate Hoa Binh Reservoir, Thac Ba Reservoir, and other hydropower reservoirs to ensure both power generation needs and water supply for production during the dry season.

5. Establish a Government Task Force for Drought Prevention and Control, headed by a Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, with members representing the Ministries of Planning and Investment, Finance, Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, Vietnam Electricity Corporation, National Hydro-Meteorological Center, and the Government Office, tasked with supervising and urging ministries, sectors, and localities in drought prevention, production protection, and mitigating the consequences of drought, reporting regularly to the Prime Minister.

Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of government agencies, Chairmen of provincial People's Committees under the direct jurisdiction of the central government are responsible for implementing this Directive.

The Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of government agencies, and Chairpersons of provincial people's committees under the central government shall be responsible for implementing this Directive ./.