Law on Water Resources 2023 number 28/2023/QH15

LAW

WATER RESOURCES

On the basis of the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

The National Assembly enacts the Water Resources Law.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

1. This Law regulates management, protection, regulation, distribution, restoration, development, exploitation, utilization of water resources; prevention, control, and mitigation of adverse effects caused by water within the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

2. Underground water under the seabed and sea water within the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; natural mineral water and hot water do not fall within the scope of this Law.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Law, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. Water Resources including surface water, groundwater, rainwater, and seawater.

2. Source of water refers to natural and artificial accumulations of water. Natural accumulations include rivers, streams, canals, ditches, creeks, lakes, ponds, swamps, reservoirs, underground aquifers, and other naturally formed water accumulations. Artificial accumulations include hydroelectric and irrigation reservoirs, rivers, canals, ditches, creeks, lakes, ponds, swamps, and other water accumulations created by humans.

3. Surface water is water existing on land and islands.

4. Groundwater is water existing in underground aquifers on land and islands, under the seabed.

5.Transboundary surface water source is a surface water source distributed on the territory of Vietnam and another country.

6. Inter-provincial surface water source is a surface water source distributed across two provinces or centrally governed cities or more.

7. Provincial surface water source

8. is a surface water source distributed within one province or centrally governed city. River basin

9. is an area where surface water and groundwater flow naturally into a river and exit through a common outlet or into the sea. Transboundary river basin

10. is a river basin located on the territory of Vietnam and another country. Inter-provincial river basin

11. is a river basin located across two provinces or centrally governed cities or more. Provincial river basin

12. Source of Drinking Water is a river basin located within one province or centrally governed city.

13. is a water source with the function of supplying water for domestic use. Water source pollution

14. is the change in physical properties, chemical properties, biological composition of water that does not meet environmental technical standards and regulations, causing adverse impacts on humans, living organisms, and nature. Degradation of water sources

15. is the reduction in quantity and quality of water sources, adversely affecting water extraction and usage activities and aquatic ecosystems. Depletion of water sources

16. is a severe reduction in water quantity, rendering the water source incapable of being extracted or utilized. Function of water sources

17. is the capacity to provide value and benefits from water sources for various water usage purposes. Surface water carrying capacity

is the limit that can accept additional pollutants while ensuring water quality for usage purposes according to technical standards and regulations.

19. Minimum flow is the lowest necessary flow required to maintain a river, stream, or section thereof to ensure normal development of aquatic ecosystems and to guarantee a minimum level for water extraction and usage activities.

20. Groundwater extraction threshold is the limit allowed for groundwater extraction to ensure no salt intrusion, degradation, depletion of water sources, subsidence, adverse impact on water sources and the environment.

21. Sanitary protection zone for drinking water intake areas is the adjacent area around the location of drinking water intake that must be protected to prevent and control drinking water pollution.

22. Water source protection buffer zone is the strip of land along or surrounding surface water sources to protect water sources and maintain their functions.

23. Water resource security is the assurance of water quantity and quality to serve civilian needs in all situations, meeting the demand for water usage in economic and social development activities, national defense, security, the environment, and reducing risks and adverse effects from human and natural disasters related to water.

24. Exploitation and use of water resources is the activity of exploiting and utilizing the potential and value of water resources to serve civilian needs, economic and social development, the environment, preserving religious, cultural values, biodiversity, and traditional beliefs.

25. Real-time reservoir operation is the continuous and immediate process of regulating reservoirs based on compliance with reservoir operation procedures, updating real-time meteorological and hydrological information and forecasts.

26. Wastewater is water that has been altered in characteristics and discharged from production, business, service, domestic, or other activities.

27. Reuse of water is the activity of using treated wastewater that meets national technical standards for reuse purposes.

28. Recirculating water use is the process of reusing water within a production cycle.

29. Development of water sources is a measure to enhance water retention, storage, conveyance, transfer capabilities, sustainable exploitation and utilization, and increase the value of water resources.

Article 3. Principles for managing, protecting, regulating, distributing, restoring, developing, exploiting, using water resources, preventing, combating, and mitigating harm caused by water.

1. Ensuring sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, national interests, fairness, and reasonableness in protecting, regulating, distributing, restoring, developing, exploiting, and using water resources, preventing, combating, and mitigating harm caused by water; ensuring water security so that all citizens can access and use water fairly and reasonably.

2. Water resources must be managed comprehensively and uniformly in terms of quantity and quality; between surface water and groundwater; between upstream and downstream areas, combined with the management of other natural resource sources.

3. Management of water resources must ensure uniformity within river basins, according to water sources, combined with administrative area-based management; clearly assigning and defining responsibilities for state management of water resources, water sources, and planning, construction, operation of irrigation, hydropower projects, urban and rural water supply.

4. Protection of water resources must prioritize prevention, linked to the protection of quantity and quality of water; enhancing forest quality tied to the protection and development of source water and water functions.

5. Exploitation and use of water resources must be declared, registered, licensed, consistent with the capacity of water sources, in accordance with plans for regulating and distributing water resources and in line with water resource planning; ensuring comprehensive, multi-objective, efficient, and economical use.

6. Management, exploitation, and use of water resources must comply with natural laws and conditions; culture, history, religion, beliefs; market mechanisms, levels of economic and social development.

7. Prevention, combat, and mitigation of harm caused by water must have proactive plans and measures; ensuring harmonious integration of national, regional, local, sectoral, and field interests; combining advanced science and technology with traditional experience and adapting to economic and social conditions.

8. National industry planning, technical and specialized planning containing content on exploitation and use of water resources; plans for managing surface water quality; economic and social development programs, defense, and security plans must align with water source capabilities, protect water resources, maintain minimum flow, not exceed underground water extraction thresholds, and be consistent with water resource planning.

9. Protection, restoration, development, exploitation, and use of water resources, prevention, combat, and mitigation of harm caused by water are the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of all agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Article 4. State policy on water resources

1. Modernizing and professionalizing water resource management towards national water resource governance based on digital technology through the National Water Resources Information System, database, decision-support tools, ensuring efficient use of resources in water resource management.

2. Prioritizing investment in searching, exploring, exploiting water sources, storing water, restoring depleted, exhausted, and polluted water sources; providing preferential policies for projects investing in water supply for daily life and production in water-scarce areas, ethnic minority regions, mountainous areas, border areas, islands, economically disadvantaged areas, and extremely disadvantaged areas; facilitating access to drinking water for the poor, women, children, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

3. Prioritizing investment in building monitoring networks, supervising water resources, the National Water Resources Information System, improving the ability to forecast water resources, floods, droughts, saltwater intrusion, rising sea levels, and other harms caused by water.

4. Encouraging, providing incentives, and supporting organizations and individuals participating in basic investigations of water resources; protecting, developing water sources, artificial water storage, and restoring depleted, exhausted, and polluted water sources; regulating and distributing water resources; preventing, combating, and mitigating harm caused by water.

5. Encouraging organizations and individuals to build and apply standards, research, transfer, and apply advanced science and technology for water resource management, protection, restoration, and development; exploiting and using water efficiently and effectively, recycling water, reusing water; desalinating seawater into fresh water; collecting and using rainwater, artificially supplementing underground water; restoring depleted, exhausted, and polluted water sources; preventing, combating, and mitigating harm caused by water.

6. Expanding and strengthening international integration and cooperation in water resources.

Article 5. List of river basins, list of water sources

1. The list of river basins and the list of water sources serve as the basis for implementing management contents, basic surveys, planning, protection, regulation, distribution, restoration, development, exploitation, utilization of water resources, prevention, control, and mitigation of harm caused by water according to river basins and water sources.

2. The list of river basins includes:

a) The list of transboundary river basins;

b) The list of inter-provincial river basins;

c) The list of intra-provincial river basins.

3. The list of water sources includes:

a) The list of transboundary surface water sources, the list of inter-provincial surface water sources, the list of intra-provincial surface water sources;

b) The list of groundwater sources.

Article 6. Development of science and technology in managing, protecting, regulating, distributing, restoring, developing, exploiting, utilizing water resources, preventing, controlling, and mitigating harm caused by water

1. Scientific research, application, and development of technology to serve the following activities:

a) Basic survey of water resources; accounting of water resources; building national indices on water security;

b) Monitoring, supervision, forecasting water sources;

c) Regulating and distributing water resources based on digital technology; building systems of decision-support tools, real-time operation procedures for reservoirs and interconnected reservoirs;

d) Solutions for responding to drought, water shortage, flood, inundation, saltwater intrusion, land subsidence, erosion of riverbeds, banks, and shores; advanced technology applications to convert seawater into freshwater;

đ) Artificial groundwater recharge solutions;

e) Utilizing recycled water, enhancing water efficiency in production, business, and services;

g) Treating wastewater, restoring degraded, depleted, and polluted water sources; solutions for developing water sources and protecting natural water bodies;

h) Operating and regulating reservoirs, reasonably exploiting and utilizing water sources; controlling water sources, creating new water sources, storing water, and establishing networks for water transfer;

i) Manufacturing water-saving equipment and technology; improving, innovating, and upgrading water-using equipment.

2. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees, within their respective duties and authorities, organize the construction and implementation of scientific research programs and technological development programs serving the management, protection, regulation, distribution, restoration, development, exploitation, utilization of water resources, prevention, control, and mitigation of harm caused by water.

3. Based on the requirements for managing, protecting, regulating, distributing, restoring, developing, exploiting, utilizing water resources, preventing, controlling, and mitigating harm caused by water at different stages, and on the proposals of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees, the Ministry of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, shall build the National Science and Technology Program on Water Resources in accordance with laws on science and technology and other relevant laws.

Article 7. Information System and Database of National Water Resources

1. Information and data on water resources include:

a) Quantity and quality of water;

b) Data on the exploitation, utilization of water resources, and discharge of wastewater into water sources;

c) Inventory, survey, and evaluation data on water resources, planning for water resources;

d) Registration, declaration, licensing data for exploration, exploitation, and utilization of water resources;

đ) List of river basins; list of water sources; list of lakes, ponds, swamps, and lagoons that cannot be filled; water source protection zones; water functions; minimum flow; groundwater extraction thresholds; cross-sections of rivers and streams; maps of drought and water scarcity risk zones; lists and maps of restricted and prohibited zones for groundwater extraction, and other information on water resources;

e) Monitoring information and data on water resources as stipulated in Article 51 of this Law and meteorological and hydrological monitoring data, environmental water quality data.

2. The State allocates budget funds for the construction, management, operation, and maintenance of the Information System and Database of National Water Resources.

3. The Information System and Database of National Water Resources must meet the following requirements:

a) Integration, connection, interoperability, and sharing of water resource data with related databases on basic surveys, exploitation, and utilization of water resources of agencies, organizations, and individuals; ensuring information security and safety;

b) Convenience for providing public services on water resources; accessing, using information and data, and updating information into the Information System and Database of National Water Resources in accordance with the law.

4. Encouragement is given to organizations and individuals to sponsor, support, and apply new technologies in the construction, management, operation, and maintenance of the Information System and Database of National Water Resources.

5. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organizes the construction, management, operation, and maintenance of the Information System and Database of National Water Resources; updates information and data on water resources as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article within its jurisdiction into the Information System and Database of National Water Resources.

6. Ministries and ministerial-level agencies direct the connection and interoperability of data related to water resources as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article within their jurisdiction with the Information System and Database of National Water Resources.

7. Provincial People's Committees direct the provision and updating of information and data on water resources as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article within their jurisdiction into the Information System and Database of National Water Resources.

8. Encouragement is given to organizations and individuals to share and update information and data on water resources they have implemented into the Information System and Database of National Water Resources, and priority is given to these organizations and individuals in the exploitation and utilization of information and data from the Information System and Database of National Water Resources.

9. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this matter.

Article 8. Prohibited Acts

1. Discharging waste, garbage, toxic substances, or allowing toxic substances to leak into water sources.

2. Discharging untreated wastewater that does not meet technical standards for wastewater into underground water sources; discharging untreated wastewater that does not meet technical standards for wastewater into surface water and seawater.

3. Discharge wastewater or dispose of waste into the protected sanitary zone of water supply areas.

4. Conduct unauthorized exploration, exploitation, and utilization of water resources, unauthorized underground water drilling operations.

5. Encroach upon or fill up rivers, streams, canals, ditches, creeks except where otherwise provided by law; place obstacles, hindrances, construct architectural works, plant trees obstructing flood drainage and water flow in rivers, streams, reservoirs, canals, ditches, creeks without measures to rectify such actions.

6. Illegally extract sand, gravel, mud, soil, and other minerals from rivers, streams, canals, ditches, creeks, lakes within the water source protection zones; drill, dig, build houses, structures, and conduct other activities within the water source protection zones causing bank erosion of rivers, streams, canals, ditches, creeks, lakes.

7. Destroy water resource protection, regulation, storage facilities, water resource exploitation, utilization, monitoring, supervision facilities, and works for preventing, combating, and mitigating water-induced damage.

8. Distort information and data on water resources.

9. Fail to comply with the operation procedures of reservoirs, inter-reservoir systems issued by competent authorities.

10. Construct dams, reservoirs, water regulation and storage works, develop water sources contrary to the water resource master plan, provincial plans, and related plans.

Chapter II

BASIC, STRATEGIC, AND PLANNING INVESTIGATIONS ON

WATER RESOURCES

Section 1

BASIC WATER RESOURCES INVESTIGATION

Article 9. Basic Water Resources Investigation Activities

1. Basic water resources investigation activities aimed at collecting information and data to serve the development of the National Water Resources Strategy, water resources planning, management, protection, regulation, distribution, restoration, development, exploitation, utilization, prevention, combat, and mitigation of water-induced damage, ensuring water security.

Basic water resources investigations funded by the state budget must be reviewed and accepted by competent state agencies according to regulations of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

2. Basic water resources investigations must ensure principles of unity, synchronization, inheritance, and efficient use of resources.

3. Basic water resources investigations include the following activities:

a) Investigate and assess water resources;

b) Inventory water resources;

c) Prepare national water resources reports;

d) Establish and maintain a water resources monitoring network, surveillance, warning, forecasting systems; establish and operate decision support systems;

đ) Survey river and stream cross-sections; evaluate riverbed, bank, and beach erosion; investigate and survey to prepare groundwater protection plans, establish water source protection zones;

e) Develop water scenarios; report on provincial and central city-level water resource exploitation and utilization, relevant ministries' reports submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for consolidation.

4. Comprehensive basic water resources investigation planning is stipulated as follows:

a) Comprehensive basic water resources investigation planning is a technical and specialized plan. The establishment of comprehensive basic water resources investigation planning is based on economic and social development strategies, defense and security strategies, the National Water Resources Strategy, and water resources planning;

b) Comprehensive basic water resources investigation planning includes the following main contents: evaluation of the implementation results of the previous planning period; determination of requirements for information and data on water resources, water resource exploitation and utilization nationwide; determination of basic water resources investigation activities as specified in Clause 3 of this Article and their priority order during the planning period; water resources monitoring network; solutions, funding, implementation plans, and schedules; integration of transnational surface water lists, inter-provincial surface water lists, and underground water lists;

c) The planning period for comprehensive basic water resources investigation is ten years, with a vision of thirty years;

d) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organizes the establishment and adjustment of comprehensive basic water resources investigation planning to submit to the Prime Minister for approval.

5. The Government shall provide detailed regulations for Clause 3 of this Article and regulations on the establishment, review, approval, and adjustment of comprehensive basic water resources investigation planning.

Article 10. Organization to conduct basic water resources investigation

1. Basic water resources investigation activities shall be carried out in accordance with the following provisions:

a) Regularly for the activities specified in point d, Clause 3, Article 9 of this Law;

b) Annually for the activities specified in point e, Clause 3, Article 9 of this Law;

c) Every five years for the activities specified in points b, c, and đ, Clause 3, Article 9 of this Law;

d) The activity specified in point a, Clause 3, Article 9 of this Law shall be conducted according to the overall plan for basic water resources investigation; in cases of urgent implementation to serve important tasks in water resource management work at the provincial level, decided by the Chairman of the People's Committee at the same level; at the level of two provinces or centrally-administered cities and above, decided by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, except in cases decided by the Prime Minister.

2. Funding for basic water resources investigation activities shall be allocated in the annual state budget from regular expenditure and investment development funds in accordance with laws on state budget and public investment.

3. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be responsible for organizing the implementation of basic water resources investigation nationwide, except for the contents stipulated in Clause 4 of this Article; and consolidating the results of basic water resources investigation nationwide.

4. Provincial People's Committees shall develop plans, organize the implementation of basic water resources investigation within their jurisdiction, consolidate, and update the results into the National Water Resources Information System and Database as prescribed in Article 7 of this Law.

5. Organizations and individuals conducting basic water resources investigation using state budget must update information and investigation results into the National Water Resources Information System and Database as prescribed in Article 7 of this Law.

6. The Government shall provide detailed regulations for this Article.

Section 2

STRATEGY AND PLANNING ON WATER RESOURCES

Article 11. National Water Resources Strategy

1. The National Water Resources Strategy serves as the basis for developing water resources planning and the overall plan for basic water resources investigation.

The development of the National Water Resources Strategy must be based on the results of basic investigations, water source forecasts, impacts of climate change on water resources, and ensure the following requirements:

a) Consistency with the national master plan; strategies and plans for socio-economic development, defense, and security;

b) Ensuring water source security; protecting and developing water sources; exploiting and using water resources efficiently and sustainably;

c) Water demand, supply capacity, and international cooperation orientation; compliance with international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

2. The National Water Resources Strategy includes the following main contents:

a) Views, guiding principles, vision, and objectives for protecting, exploiting, using, and developing water sources, preventing and mitigating water-related hazards;

b) Overall orientations, tasks, and solutions for protecting, regulating, distributing, restoring, developing, exploiting, and using water resources, preventing and mitigating water-related hazards; priority programs and projects to be implemented in each phase during the strategy period.

3. The National Water Resources Strategy is developed for a ten-year period with a fifty-year outlook.

4. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall take the lead, coordinate with relevant ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial people's committees to develop the National Water Resources Strategy for submission to the Prime Minister for approval.

Article 12. Water Resources Planning

1. Water resources planning includes:

a) Water resources planning is a national sectoral planning carried out in accordance with the laws on planning. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organizes the establishment of water resources planning;

b) Comprehensive river basin planning for inter-provincial rivers is technical and specialized planning that elaborates on water resources planning and is established for a ten-year period with a vision from twenty to thirty years;

c) Transboundary water resource protection, exploitation, and utilization planning is technical and specialized planning established and adjusted when there is cooperation among countries sharing water resources, based on agreements between countries sharing water resources.

2. The subject of water resources planning is surface water and groundwater.

3. The establishment and adjustment of technical and specialized planning by Ministries and ministerial-level agencies involving the exploitation and utilization of water resources must have the opinion of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment regarding its consistency with water resources planning.

In cases where the exploitation and utilization of water resources in technical and specialized planning and the content of surface water quality management plans under environmental protection laws conflict with water resources planning, they must be adjusted to align with water resources planning.

Article 13. Basis for Establishing Comprehensive River Basin Planning for Inter-Provincial Rivers

1. National water resources strategy, water resources planning, economic and social development strategies and plans, defense and security strategies and plans, and other related strategies and plans.

2. Natural and socio-economic conditions of each locality within the river basin, each region, specific conditions of each river basin, the capacity of water sources, and forecasts of the impact of climate change on water resources.

3. Requirements for the exploitation and utilization of water resources by sectors and localities and environmental protection.

4. Results of basic investigations of water resources.

5. Tasks for establishing comprehensive river basin planning for inter-provincial rivers that have been approved.

Article 14. Principles for Establishing Comprehensive River Basin Planning for Inter-Provincial Rivers

The establishment of comprehensive river basin planning for inter-provincial rivers must comply with the laws on planning and the following principles:

1. Ensuring the comprehensiveness of surface water with groundwater, the exploitation and utilization of water resources with the protection and development of water sources, and prevention, control, and mitigation of water-related hazards;

2. Ensuring harmonious distribution of water usage benefits among localities, sectors, fields, upstream and downstream areas, and ensuring water security;

3. Ensuring the basis for establishing other technical and specialized planning involving the exploitation and utilization of water resources, surface water quality management plans, groundwater protection plans, and water resource regulation and distribution.

Article 15. Tasks for Establishing Comprehensive River Basin Planning for Inter-Provincial Rivers

1. The tasks for establishing comprehensive river basin planning for inter-provincial rivers include the following main contents:

a) Basis for planning;

b) Overview of inter-provincial river basins;

c) Objectives, scope, and content of planning;

d) Solutions, budget, schedule, and progress of planning;

đ) Responsibilities of relevant agencies in organizing planning.

2. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment approves the tasks for establishing comprehensive river basin planning for inter-provincial rivers.

Article 16. Contents of the integrated river basin planning for provinces spanning multiple regions

The integrated river basin planning for provinces spanning multiple regions includes the following main contents:

1. Analysis and assessment of natural conditions, socio-economic status, and related economic and social development orientations; current management, protection, regulation, distribution, recovery, development, exploitation, and utilization of water resources; prevention, control, and mitigation of adverse effects caused by water.

2. Forecasting trends in the quantity and quality of water sources and water demand for various sectors during the planning period; zoning functions of water sources; areas frequently or at risk of drought and water scarcity; thresholds and quantities of water that can be exploited for each section of the river, each area, and aquifer layers; minimum flow on rivers and streams; review and consolidation of water regulation, storage facilities, water exploitation, utilization, and development projects; identification of water resource issues to be addressed during the planning period.

3. Determination of the viewpoints and objectives of the planning.

4. Orientation for regulating, distributing, protecting water resources, preventing, controlling, and mitigating adverse effects caused by water, including:

a) Distribution of water volumes and priority order for regulating and distributing water resources among sectors, localities, and users of water resources during droughts and water shortages; determination of water sources and backup facilities for supplying drinking water; transfer of water between river basins (if applicable).

b) Identification of dams, reservoirs, water regulation and storage facilities, large-scale water development projects with cross-regional or cross-provincial impacts, or significant impacts on water resources.

c) Engineering and non-engineering solutions for protecting water resources and reducing adverse effects caused by water.

d) Restoration of depleted, exhausted, or polluted water resources.

đ) Identification of areas and water sources requiring prioritized detailed planning for the following aspects: regulation, distribution, exploitation, and utilization of water resources; protection of water resources; prevention, control, and mitigation of adverse effects caused by water.

e) Other specific contents relevant to each river basin.

5. Implementation measures, funding, implementation plans, and monitoring of the planning implementation.

Article 17. Organization of the preparation and approval of the integrated river basin planning for provinces spanning multiple regions

1. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Construction, other ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, and provincial People's Committees to organize the preparation of the integrated river basin planning for provinces spanning multiple regions to submit to the Prime Minister for approval.

2. The integrated river basin planning for provinces spanning multiple regions must seek written opinions from ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, provincial People's Committees, river basin organizations, individuals and organizations exploiting and using large-scale water resources, and other relevant agencies before submitting to the competent authority for approval.

3. The agency organizing the preparation of the integrated river basin planning for provinces spanning multiple regions shall either conduct it independently or hire consulting units to prepare the planning.

4. Technical regulations, norms, and unit prices for preparing the integrated river basin planning for provinces spanning multiple regions shall be implemented according to the provisions of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

5. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on the preparation, examination, and approval of the integrated river basin planning for provinces spanning multiple regions; and specify the list of river basins spanning multiple provinces that require planning.

Article 18. Announcing and Implementing the Comprehensive Basin Planning for Inter-Provincial Rivers

1. Within fifteen days from the date of approval of the comprehensive basin planning for inter-provincial rivers, the contents of such planning must be announced and regularly posted on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's electronic portal, and notified to ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and related localities. Provincial People's Committees within the basin covered by the comprehensive basin planning for inter-provincial rivers shall regularly post the planning contents on their local electronic portals. In cases where the planning contains state secrets, it shall be implemented in accordance with laws on protecting state secrets.

2. Organizations, individuals, and community residents are provided conditions to exercise their right to monitor and propose measures to implement the comprehensive basin planning for inter-provincial rivers.

3. Information, data, and calculation models serving the development of the comprehensive basin planning for inter-provincial rivers must be managed on a digital platform, updated, and connected to the National Water Resources Information System and Database.

4. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall organize the implementation of the comprehensive basin planning for inter-provincial rivers; update information and data about the comprehensive basin planning for inter-provincial rivers into the national system of information and database on planning in accordance with the law on planning.

Article 19. Reviewing and Adjusting the Comprehensive Basin Planning for Inter-Provincial Rivers

1. The review of the comprehensive basin planning for inter-provincial rivers shall be carried out as follows:

a) The planning shall be reviewed periodically every five years;

b) The agency responsible for developing the planning shall be responsible for organizing the review of the planning;

c) The results of the planning review must be reported to the Prime Minister.

2. The comprehensive basin planning for inter-provincial rivers shall be reviewed and adjusted in the following cases:

a) There are adjustments to the National Water Resources Strategy, water resources planning, strategies, socio-economic development plans, national defense, security, or sectoral national planning that affect the main content of the comprehensive basin planning for inter-provincial rivers;

b) New national key projects have been formed affecting water resources;

c) There are significant natural changes impacting water resources;

d) There are requests from ministries, ministerial-level agencies, or provincial people's committees regarding adjustments to water source functional zoning; additions, modifications, or removals from the planning for dams, reservoirs, water regulation and storage facilities, water resource development, and other localized adjustments.

3. The Prime Minister decides on the adjustment of the comprehensive basin planning for inter-provincial rivers, except in cases where the Prime Minister delegates authority according to Clause 4 of this Article.

4. For localized adjustments concerning water source functional zoning; additions, modifications, or removals from the comprehensive basin planning for inter-provincial rivers for dams, reservoirs, water regulation and storage facilities, water resource development, and other localized adjustments without fundamentally changing the main content of the planning, the Prime Minister delegates authority to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to approve the adjustment and report the results to the Prime Minister.

5. The establishment, solicitation of opinions, examination, announcement, and implementation of adjustments to the comprehensive basin planning for inter-provincial rivers shall be conducted as stipulated for the establishment of the comprehensive basin planning for inter-provincial rivers under Article 17 of this Law, except for localized adjustments as specified in Clause 4 of this Article.

6. The Government shall provide detailed regulations for this Article.

Article 20. Plan for Exploitation, Utilization, Protection of Water Resources, Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harm Caused by Water in Provincial Planning

The contents of the plan for exploitation, utilization, protection of water resources, prevention, control, and mitigation of harm caused by water in provincial planning include the provisions stipulated by laws on planning and the following contents:

1. Assessment of quantity and quality of water sources within the province; current status of water resource protection, exploitation, utilization, protection of source water, prevention, control, and mitigation of harm caused by water, discharge of wastewater into water sources;

2. Forecast of water demand during the planning period;

3. Orientation for investment in construction of water resource monitoring networks within the province;

4. Determination of dams, reservoirs, water regulation and storage works, development of medium and small-scale water sources.

Chapter III

PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCES AND WATER SOURCE RESTORATION

Article 21. Protection of Surface Water Sources

Protection of surface water sources includes the main activities as follows:

1. Management of protective zones for water sources;

2. Maintaining minimum flow in rivers and streams; ensuring water flow circulation;

3. Prevention, control, and restoration of degraded, depleted, and polluted water sources; improving the carrying capacity of surface water sources;

4. Protection of surface water sources with functions of regulation, water supply, flood prevention; water sources with functions of protection, conservation of religious, cultural values, biodiversity, and tourism development;

5. Protection and development of source water;

6. Protection of surface water environment according to the provisions of environmental protection laws.

Article 22. Functions of Water Sources

1. Water sources have one or more of the following basic functions:

a) Supplying water for domestic use;

b) Supplying water for agricultural production, aquaculture;

c) Supplying water for industrial production; business, services;

d) Supplying water for hydropower;

đ) Conservation of religious, cultural activities and values;

e) Inland waterway transportation, maritime transportation;

g) Creating landscapes, environments; developing tourism; protecting the development of aquatic ecosystems; protecting, conserving biodiversity; storing, discharging floods.

2. The function of water sources is one of the bases for selecting measures to protect water sources, improve and restore degraded, depleted, and polluted water sources; deciding approval, endorsement, issuance of permits for projects discharging wastewater into water sources according to environmental protection laws.

3. The function of water sources is determined based on the current status, water extraction and utilization needs of sectors and localities, requirements for protecting and conserving religious, cultural activities, values, biodiversity, aquatic ecosystems, creating landscapes, environments, storing, discharging floods, and the water source's capacity to meet these needs.

4. Surface water sources must be zoned according to their functions as prescribed by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to implement measures to protect water sources.

5. Zoning of surface water sources' functions is determined in the comprehensive river basin planning for inter-provincial surface water sources and in provincial planning for intra-provincial surface water sources.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organizes reviews of water source functions during the review of comprehensive river basin planning; the People's Committee of the province organizes reviews of water source functions in provincial planning. In cases where there is no planning or the planning does not reflect the functions of water sources, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment determines and announces the functions for inter-provincial surface water sources, and the People's Committee of the province determines and announces the functions for intra-provincial surface water sources.

6. The functions of water sources are reviewed and adjusted in the following cases:

a) There is a change in the requirements for protecting water sources to serve economic and social development;

b) There is a significant change in the water source's capacity to meet needs without remedial measures.

7. Wastewater discharged into surface water sources must comply with environmental technical standards for wastewater consistent with the functions of water sources, and the discharge of wastewater must comply with the provisions of environmental protection laws.

Article 23. Water Source Protection Zones

1. Water source protection zones are established to stabilize riverbanks, prevent encroachment on land adjacent to water sources; to prevent activities that pose risks of water pollution and degradation; to protect the development of aquatic ecosystems, natural flora and fauna along water sources; to protect and conserve religious, cultural, biodiversity, and tourism activities related to water sources.

2. Water sources that must establish protection zones include:

a) Dams and reservoirs for hydropower and irrigation on rivers and streams;

b) Lakes on rivers and streams not covered under point a of this clause;

c) Ponds, lakes, swamps, and floodplains listed in the catalog of ponds, lakes, swamps, and floodplains that are not to be filled in;

d) Rivers, streams, canals, ditches, and creeks that serve as water supply sources, drainage channels, or are important for socio-economic development and environmental protection;

đ) Water sources with functions to protect and conserve religious, cultural, biodiversity, and tourism activities not covered under point c of this clause.

3. The provincial People's Committee shall organize the establishment, publication, adjustment of the list of water sources that must establish protection zones; approve and adjust the scope of water source protection zones, plans, and demarcation schemes for water source protection zones.

4. The scope of water source protection zones must be reflected on cadastral maps.

5. Water source protection zones must be published and managed according to this Law and the Land Law; for cases specified in point c of Clause 6 of this Article, they must also comply with regulations of the Law on Water Resources, Dikes, and Inland Waterway Transport.

6. Determining the scope of water source protection zones and demarcating the boundaries of such zones are regulated as follows:

a) Organizations managing and operating dams and reservoirs as specified in point a of Clause 2 of this Article; organizations assigned to manage lakes on rivers and streams as specified in point b and ponds, lakes, swamps, and floodplains as specified in points c and đ of Clause 2 of this Article propose the scope of water source protection zones for approval by the provincial People's Committee; they implement boundary demarcation and hand over the boundaries to the provincial People's Committee;

b) The provincial People's Committee organizes the determination of the scope of water source protection zones and demarcation of their boundaries for cases where there is no organization assigned to manage and operate them;

c) For irrigation works including dams, reservoirs, canals, and ditches, the scope and boundaries of water source protection zones are determined based on the boundary markers of the protected areas of irrigation works;

For rivers, streams, canals, and ditches where the boundaries of water source protection zones coincide with the boundary markers of navigation channel protection zones and dike protection zones, the boundary markers of navigation channel protection zones shall be used according to the Law on Inland Waterway Transport, and those of dike protection zones according to the Law on Dikes;

d) The provincial People's Committee assigns the boundaries of water source protection zones to the district People's Committee or commune People's Committee for management and protection.

7. Agencies, organizations, communities, households, and individuals living or engaging in production, business, and service activities within the scope of water source protection zones must ensure the following requirements:

a) Not causing erosion of river, stream, canal, ditch, pond, lake, swamp, or floodplain banks, nor affecting their stability and safety;

b) Not impacting the water source protection zones already approved by competent state authorities;

c) Implement measures to protect water resources as prescribed by law.

8. New construction or expansion of hospitals, infectious disease treatment facilities, cemeteries, waste disposal sites, hazardous chemical production facilities, and production and processing facilities generating harmful waste is prohibited within the scope of water source protection zones. Existing facilities causing water pollution must take remediation measures in accordance with environmental protection laws.

9. The Government shall provide detailed regulations for this Article; specify the determination of the scope of water source protection zones; specify water sources that must have boundary markers for protection zones and the demarcation of such boundary markers.

Article 24. Minimum Flow

1. The cases that must determine minimum flow include:

a) Rivers and streams with water transfer works, dams, reservoirs, large-scale water extraction facilities that have the potential to affect civilian activities, economic and social development, aquatic ecosystems.

Based on resources, economic and social development conditions at the local level, the importance of water sources, requirements for disaster prevention and control, water source protection, the competent authority specified in Clause 6 and Clause 7 of this Article shall decide the priority order and positions required to maintain the minimum flow for each river and stream that needs to determine the minimum flow.

b) Dams and reservoirs constructed on rivers and streams, except in cases where the dams and reservoirs have been put into operation and cannot adjust or supplement the minimum flow discharge structures.

2. Minimum flow is one of the bases for consideration during the review and approval process of the following tasks:

a) Water resource planning; technical and specialized plans containing water resource exploitation and utilization; schemes for water resource exploitation, utilization, protection, prevention, and mitigation of water-induced harm in provincial planning;

b) Reservoir operation procedures, inter-reservoir operation procedures on river basins;

c) Water resource regulation and distribution schemes on river basins; restoration of depleted, dried-up, and polluted water sources;

d) Projects to construct dams and reservoirs on rivers and streams; projects involving water transfer activities;

đ) Registration and issuance of permits for water resource exploitation;

e) Projects directly related to maintaining and ensuring minimum flow on rivers and streams.

3. Determining minimum flow must ensure the following principles:

a) It must be carried out for specific locations on rivers and streams and must ensure representativeness and systematicity within the river basin;

b) Ensure fairness, reasonableness, harmonization of interests, equality among water resource exploitation and utilization subjects, between upstream and downstream regions;

c) Be consistent with the characteristics of water sources, functions of water sources, river and stream flow regimes, topographical features, water usage needs, the role of rivers and streams in the river system; consistent with the scale, method of exploitation, and reservoir operation capacity;

d) Consistent with international agreements and treaties related to water resources with countries sharing common water resources, of which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.

4. The basis for determining minimum flow includes:

a) Hydrological characteristics, flow regimes, and functions of water sources; current status and demand for water resource exploitation and utilization;

b) Requirements for water source protection, prevention of depletion, drying up, and pollution; protection and conservation of aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity; disaster prevention; ensuring national defense and security and other requirements related to water source protection;

c) Scale, scope of impact, exploitation methods, and water regulation capacity for dams and reservoirs;

d) International agreements and treaties related to water resources with countries sharing common water resources, of which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.

5. Minimum flow is determined in comprehensive river basin planning for inter-provincial and inter-national rivers and streams, in provincial planning for intra-provincial rivers and streams as specified in Point a Clause 1 of this Article.

In cases where there is no planning or the planning does not contain content to determine minimum flow, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall determine and announce minimum flow for inter-provincial and inter-national rivers and streams; the People's Committee of the province shall determine and announce minimum flow for intra-provincial rivers and streams.

6. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has the following responsibilities:

a) To take the lead in determining and adjusting the location and value of minimum flow on inter-provincial and inter-national rivers and streams, seek opinions from relevant Ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, and provincial People's Committees before making decisions; announce minimum flow on inter-provincial and inter-national rivers and streams;

b) Approve and announce minimum flow at the downstream of dams and reservoirs as specified in Point b Clause 1 of this Article within the scope of water resource exploitation permit issuance authority.

7. The People's Committee of the province has the following responsibilities:

a) To take the lead in determining and adjusting the location and value of minimum flow on intra-provincial rivers and streams, seek opinions from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and relevant agencies before making decisions; announce minimum flow on intra-provincial rivers and streams;

b) Approve and announce minimum flow at the downstream of dams and reservoirs as specified in Point b Clause 1 of this Article within the scope of water resource exploitation permit registration and issuance authority.

8. Organizations and individuals managing and operating dams and reservoirs as specified in Point b Clause 1 of this Article must implement the determination and proposal of minimum flow at the downstream of dams and reservoirs, which must be reflected in the registration application form or water exploitation permit application dossier, submitted to the competent authority for approval.

9. The determination and adjustment of minimum flow for the cases specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall be implemented according to the regulations of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

The review and adjustment of minimum flow shall be conducted periodically every five years or when there are changes in the content related to water resource exploitation and utilization in planning; new water exploitation projects or works significantly alter the flow regime on rivers and streams; significant natural condition changes affecting water sources.

Article 25. Ensuring the Flow of Water Currents

The following activities must ensure the flow of water currents in accordance with this Law and other relevant laws:

1. Prospecting and mining minerals on rivers, streams, canals, ditches, and creeks;

2. Constructing bridges, boat docks, or other structures that obstruct or cross rivers, streams, canals, ditches, and creeks;

3. Laying pipelines or cables across rivers, streams, canals, ditches, and creeks, setting up fish cages or rafts on rivers, or other similar activities.

Article 26. Protecting the Quality of Drinking Water Sources

1. Organizations and individuals have the responsibility to protect the quality of drinking water sources. Any person who discovers acts causing pollution of drinking water sources shall promptly report to the People's Committee of the nearest locality.

2. The provincial People's Committee shall be responsible for the following:

a) Monitoring activities that pose a risk of polluting drinking water sources;

b) Identifying and organizing the announcement of the sanitary protection zones for areas where drinking water is drawn based on proposals from organizations and individuals exploiting water resources for domestic use, in accordance with regulations issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment;

c) Organizing monitoring and announcing information about the quality of drinking water sources, warning of unusual phenomena concerning the quality of drinking water sources within their jurisdiction;

d) Directing the People's Committees at the district and commune levels to implement measures to monitor, supervise, and protect the quality of drinking water sources in their respective localities.

3. The district and commune level People's Committees shall be responsible for implementing measures to protect the quality of drinking water sources in their respective localities.

4. The Ministry of Construction shall take the lead in coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security, other ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees to develop a list of particularly important water supply facilities to be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval.

5. The Ministry of Public Security shall develop and implement plans to protect particularly important water supply facilities as stipulated in Clause 4 of this Article.

6. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall take the lead in coordinating with provincial People's Committees to identify and announce sanitary protection zones for areas where drinking water is drawn for facilities whose sanitary protection zones span two provinces or centrally-administered cities or more.

Article 27. Protecting the Quality of Water Sources for Agricultural Production, Aquaculture, Mineral Extraction, and Other Activities

1. Organizations and individuals using fertilizers, plant protection chemicals, veterinary drugs for aquaculture, aquatic feed, environmental treatment products for aquaculture, and other types of chemicals in crop cultivation, animal husbandry, and aquaculture must comply with legal regulations and must not cause water pollution.

2. Production facilities, businesses, service providers, mineral extraction operations, and other activities may not discharge untreated wastewater that does not meet technical environmental standards into surface water or seawater; if hazardous chemicals are used, safety measures must be taken to prevent leaks and water pollution.

3. Organizations and individuals using water resources for inland waterway transportation, recreation, tourism, healthcare, rest and recuperation, scientific research, and other purposes must not cause water pollution.

4. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall implement state management over the use of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals in agricultural production activities in accordance with legal provisions to ensure that they do not cause water pollution and affect the functions of water resources.

5. The provincial People's Committee shall consider and decide on the conversion of land use purposes for mining pits, soil, and construction materials after mining has ceased, to form reservoirs for water regulation, storage, supply, and landscape creation when all conditions prescribed by this Law, investment laws, land laws, environmental protection laws, and mineral laws are met, and update and supplement them into the list of surface water sources within the province and the list of ponds, lakes, lagoons, and swamps that are not to be filled in.

Article 28. Protection of water sources with functions of protecting, conserving religious activities, beliefs, cultural values, biodiversity, and tourism development.

1. Water sources with functions of protecting, conserving religious activities, beliefs, cultural values, biodiversity, and tourism development include:

a) Water sources associated with important wetland areas, biodiversity conservation zones, and water bodies with high biodiversity value as prescribed by laws on biodiversity;

b) Water sources associated with religious activities, beliefs, scenic spots, historical and cultural relics that have been ranked or designated for protection according to laws on beliefs, religions, cultural heritage, and other relevant laws;

c) Water sources associated with natural heritage as prescribed by laws on environmental protection.

2. Activities of exploiting, using water resources, discharging wastewater into water sources, and other activities within the scope of water source protection zones as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article must be strictly controlled and monitored to ensure they do not affect the functions of protecting, conserving religious activities, beliefs, cultural values, biodiversity, and tourism development of water sources.

3. The State prioritizes the protection and restoration of water sources specified in Clause 1 of this Article when they deteriorate, deplete, or become polluted.

Article 29. Protection and Development of Natural Water Sources

1. Protection and development of natural water sources involve management, protection, and development of forests to enhance land's water retention capacity, prevent soil erosion, landslides, salinity intrusion, flash floods, protect and develop water sources.

2. The State has policies to protect and develop forests, encourages the conversion of production forests to protective forests according to planning; coordinates and allocates revenue from payments for forest environmental services to activities for the protection and development of natural water sources in river basins; allocates revenue from water resource exploitation in downstream localities to upstream localities to ensure fairness and reasonableness.

3. Organizations and individuals investing in reservoir construction, mineral extraction projects, and other activities using water resources affecting forest areas must fulfill their obligations as prescribed by forestry laws.

4. Organizations and individuals exploiting and using water resources must pay for forest environmental services as prescribed by forestry laws.

Article 30. Thresholds for Underground Water Extraction

1. Thresholds for underground water extraction serve as bases for consideration during the review and decision-making processes for the following tasks:

a) Planning for water resources; provincial planning and technical-specialized planning containing water resource exploitation and utilization; issuing restricted and prohibited zones for underground water extraction;

b) Schemes for regulating and distributing water resources in river basins; restoring depleted, exhausted, and polluted underground water sources;

c) Permitting underground water exploration and extraction;

d) Projects and solutions for artificial replenishment of underground water.

2. Thresholds for underground water extraction are determined based on the characteristics of water sources; current status and demand for water resource exploitation and utilization; requirements for protecting underground water sources and socio-economic development needs.

3. Determination of thresholds for underground water extraction must meet the following requirements:

a) Implemented for each area and aquifer layer;

b) Balance between the volume of extracted water and annual recharge to the aquifer layer and its relationship with related aquifer layers;

c) Protect underground water sources, harmonize the rights and legitimate interests of organizations, individuals, and related localities.

4. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this matter.

Article 31. Protection of Underground Water

1. Organizations and individuals must carry out the plugging and sealing of wells that are damaged, no longer in use, or without plans for continued use in the following cases:

a) Drilling or digging wells for investigation, assessment, exploration, and exploitation of underground water;

b) Drilling for geological surveys of construction projects, foundation treatment of construction projects, and construction of underground works;

c) Drilling for geological exploration, exploration, and exploitation of minerals, oil and gas, and other projects.

2. Organizations and individuals must ensure requirements for protecting underground water and regulations on environmental protection in the following cases:

a) Designing and constructing drilling, excavation, and testing works in projects for investigation, assessment, exploration, and exploitation of underground water;

b) Geological surveys for construction projects, foundation treatment of construction projects, construction of underground works; geological exploration, exploration, and exploitation of minerals, oil and gas;

c) Pumping to drain dry mines, drain dry foundation pits causing a decline in underground water levels, and other drilling, excavation, and testing activities.

3. Drilling for investigation, survey, exploration, and exploitation of underground water must be carried out by organizations and individuals holding a permit for drilling underground water.

4. Based on the underground water protection plan, the People's Committee of the province shall organize the implementation of delineation, publication, adjustment of the list of prohibited and restricted areas for underground water exploitation; decide to remove from the list of prohibited and restricted areas for underground water exploitation when underground water resources have been restored.

5. The determination of prohibited and restricted areas for underground water exploitation must ensure the harmonization of the rights and legitimate interests of organizations and individuals related to such areas and be considered and delineated in the following zones:

a) Zones where underground water levels are continuously declining and there is a risk of exceeding the limit for underground water exploitation;

b) Zones where land subsidence has occurred or there is a risk of land subsidence;

c) Zones where underground water sources are at risk of being invaded by saltwater.

6. In cases where organizations and individuals have been granted permits for underground water exploitation in restricted exploitation zones, they may continue to exploit until the expiration date of the permit and may be granted, extended, adjusted, or reissued permits if they meet the conditions but not exceeding the permitted volume of underground water exploitation.

7. The People's Committee of the province shall promulgate and implement the underground water protection plan. The underground water protection plan must be promulgated within three years from the effective date of this Law and reviewed and adjusted every five years or adjusted promptly to meet the requirements of economic and social development and water resource protection.

The underground water protection plan must identify zones and aquifers that are deteriorating, depleted, or polluted and need protection and recovery; zones that need to be delineated or removed from the prohibited and restricted exploitation zones; underground water exploitation plans; zones that need artificial underground water replenishment; measures to protect the quality of underground water sources.

8. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall issue national technical standards on well plugging as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article; regulations on underground water protection in the activities specified in Clause 2 of this Article; regulations on the establishment, adjustment of the underground water protection plan as stipulated in Clause 7 of this Article.

9. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on Clause 3 and Clause 5 of this Article; regulations on delineation, publication, and adjustment of prohibited and restricted exploitation zones for underground water.

Article 32. Prevention and Control of Water Degradation, Depletion, and Pollution

1. When constructing urban areas, concentrated residential areas, tourist zones, entertainment areas, high-tech zones, industrial zones, economic zones, export processing zones, clusters of industries, and craft villages, the capacity of surface water sources to bear loads and the ability to meet water needs must be considered, and such construction shall not be located within the protected buffer zones of rivers that are prone to or have experienced landslides.

2. Organizations and individuals whose activities cause land subsidence, degradation, depletion, pollution, or salinization of water sources shall implement remedial measures; if damage occurs, they must compensate and assume responsibility according to the provisions of the law.

3. Wastewater generated from production, business, service activities, urban areas, and concentrated residential areas must be collected, treated, monitored, and preventive, response, and remediation measures for water pollution incidents must be implemented in accordance with environmental protection laws.

4. Organizations and individuals extracting minerals or constructing projects, if their activities involve pumping or draining water leading to a lowering of groundwater levels and causing land subsidence, must immediately cease such activities and implement remedial measures; if damage occurs, they must compensate and assume responsibility according to the provisions of the law.

5. Ponds, reservoirs for wastewater, and wastewater storage areas must implement measures to protect water sources in accordance with environmental protection laws to ensure that they do not cause water pollution.

Article 33. Prevention and Control of Marine Water Pollution

1. Organizations and individuals conducting activities at sea must have plans, equipment, and personnel to ensure prevention and limitation of marine water pollution.

In cases where marine water pollution occurs, they must promptly address and remedy the situation and report it immediately upon discovery to the competent state authorities; if damage occurs, they must compensate according to the provisions of environmental protection laws.

2. Discharges from activities in coastal areas, islands, and on the sea must be controlled and treated to meet technical standards and norms before being discharged into the sea, as stipulated by law.

Article 34. Restoration of Degraded, Depleted, and Polluted Water Sources and Response to and Remediation of Water Pollution Incidents

1. The restoration of degraded, depleted, and polluted water sources shall be carried out as follows:

a) Compile a list of degraded, depleted, and polluted water sources requiring restoration;

b) Develop plans, programs, and projects for restoring degraded, depleted, and polluted water sources; prioritize the restoration of rivers and river sections that are depleted, without flow, and severely polluted among the listed water sources requiring restoration; allocate resources for implementation;

c) Adjust operational regimes, supplement, and upgrade water regulation and storage facilities, construct dams, reservoirs, pumping stations, water conveyance structures, dredging works to raise water levels, supply water, restore flow, improve and enhance the capacity of water flow, quantity, and quality of water sources, artificially replenish underground water; treat environmental pollution; treat and control wastewater; utilize recycled water and reuse water.

2. Based on approved water resource planning, the extent and scope of water source degradation, depletion, and pollution in river basins, requirements for water extraction, utilization, and protection, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall take the lead, coordinating with ministries, agencies at the level of ministries, and provincial People's Committees related to the establishment of a list of degraded, depleted, and polluted water sources requiring restoration; develop plans, programs, and projects for restoring these water sources, and submit them to the Prime Minister for approval.

3. Ministries, agencies at the level of ministries, and provincial People's Committees investing in dam and reservoir construction projects on rivers listed as water sources requiring restoration under point a, Clause 1, Article 32 of this Law must seek the opinions of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and river basin organizations regarding the content of water source restoration before the competent authority approves the investment orientation or investment decision for the project.

4. Organizations and individuals participating in the restoration of degraded, depleted, and polluted water sources shall enjoy incentives and support as provided for in Articles 73 and 74 of this Law and other relevant laws.

5. Funds for the restoration of degraded, depleted, and polluted water sources shall be allocated from the state budget, public funds for economic affairs, environmental protection, development investment, environmental protection funds, payment sources of entities causing water source degradation, depletion, and pollution, and other contributions from organizations and individuals.

6. Responses to and remediation of water pollution incidents shall be carried out in accordance with environmental protection laws; in cases of transboundary water pollution incidents, additional measures shall be taken as follows:

a) Provincial People's Committees where transboundary water sources are located must promptly address the incident and report it to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment about water pollution incidents occurring in their jurisdiction;

b) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall take the lead, coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant ministries, river basin organizations, and related agencies to cooperate with competent authorities in the country where the transboundary water pollution incident occurred to immediately implement appropriate measures to prevent and mitigate the consequences in accordance with international law and international agreements and treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

Chapter IV

 WATER REGULATION, DISTRIBUTION AND EXPLOITATION, USE

WATER RESOURCES

Section 1

 WATER REGULATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF WATER RESOURCES

Article 35. Water Resource Regulation and Distribution

1. The regulation and distribution of water resources for exploitation and utilization purposes must be based on the water resource planning, water source scenarios, current status, needs, and quotas for water resource exploitation taking into account the impact of climate change, the results of water resource accounting, and ensuring the following principles:

a) Ensuring water security, fairness, and rationality among organizations and individuals exploiting and using water resources within the same river basin, between upstream and downstream areas;

b) Prioritizing quantity and quality of water supply for daily living; contributing to ensuring food security, energy security, and other essential needs of the people.

In cases of drought and water shortage, based on the principles and priority order determined in the comprehensive river basin planning for inter-provincial river basins, the distribution of water resources for activities that use large amounts of water and are not urgent should be restricted, while prioritizing water supply for daily living and water-using activities that are efficient and economical.

c) Ensuring minimum flow rates in rivers and streams, and thresholds for groundwater extraction;

d) Combining or alternating surface water extraction with groundwater and rainwater extraction; enhancing rainwater storage.

2. Water resource regulation and distribution activities are carried out through the adjustment of operation regimes of dams, reservoirs, water extraction facilities, and coordination of water extraction and utilization activities in river basins and aquifer layers to optimize economic and social benefits and environmental benefits from water resources, and towards regulating, distributing, and adjusting water resources using decision-support systems.

3. Decision-support systems are established and operated based on meteorological and hydrological observation data, water resource forecasting, current surface and groundwater conditions, water resource exploitation and utilization needs, and numerical models built and operated in each river basin and aquifer layer.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organizes the establishment, management, and operation of decision-support systems. Encouragement is given to organizations and individuals to participate in building these systems and providing decision-support services for water resource regulation and distribution, but they must comply with the provisions of Article 70 of this Law.

4. Water source scenarios are developed based on the current status of water resources in river basins, meteorological and hydrological forecasts, water resource trends, and include the following main contents: current surface and groundwater conditions, water storage levels in reservoirs within river basins, water levels in aquifer layers; water resource exploitation and utilization needs; forecasts of rainfall trends, runoff volumes, reservoir water storage volumes, and aquifer water levels for the year; assessment of drought and water shortage severity in river basins.

5. Annually, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment takes the lead and coordinates with ministries, ministerial-level agencies, provincial People's Committees, river basin organizations, and related organizations to develop and publish water source scenarios for inter-provincial river basins listed in the comprehensive river basin planning. Based on published water source scenarios, current and evolving water resource conditions, and meteorological and hydrological forecasts, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment decides on updating water source scenarios.

6. Based on water source scenarios and management, exploitation, and utilization requirements for water resources, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Construction, and provincial People's Committees in inter-provincial river basins, within their respective mandates, direct the development of plans for water resource exploitation and utilization consistent with water source scenarios.

7. Based on water source scenarios, for river basins forecasted to experience drought and water shortages, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment leads and coordinates with ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and relevant provincial People's Committees to develop and implement plans for water resource regulation and distribution in compliance with the principles set forth in Clause 1 of this Article.

8. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this matter.

Article 36. Water resource regulation and distribution during droughts and water shortages

1. When droughts or water shortages occur, based on actual conditions and forecasts of droughts and water shortages, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall take the lead and coordinate with ministries, ministerial-level agencies, provincial People's Committees, river basin organizations, and other relevant organizations to review, update, and implement the water resource regulation and distribution plan prescribed in Clause 7 of Article 35 of this Law; in cases of severe widespread droughts or water shortages, report to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision on the water resource regulation and distribution plan.

2. Based on the water resource regulation and distribution plan, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees within their respective duties and authorities shall organize the implementation of measures to respond to and mitigate damage, and comply with the following provisions:

a) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Construction, and other relevant ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees to regulate water sources for domestic use, agricultural production, industrial production, irrigation, hydropower, and other water resource exploitation and utilization needs; decide on limiting water distribution for activities that consume large amounts of water and are not urgent.

b) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall direct the regulation and distribution of water resources within irrigation systems according to laws on irrigation.

c) The Ministry of Industry and Trade shall direct the operation of hydropower reservoirs.

d) The Chairman of the provincial People's Committee shall decide on the use of surface water, groundwater, and existing emergency water supply facilities within their jurisdiction to proactively respond to water shortages, ensuring water supply for domestic use and other essential water needs; direct the mobilization of all available resources to implement measures to address water shortages within their jurisdiction.

3. Organizations and individuals shall implement measures to reduce water extraction and participate with local authorities in implementing measures to respond to and address water shortages within their jurisdiction.

Article 37. River Basin Water Transfer

1. Projects involving water transfer activities or activities such as digging rivers, canals, ditches, and streams that significantly impact economic and social development, the environment, and people's lives must be approved by the competent state agency managing water resources regarding the water transfer plan. Approval must be based on the following grounds:

a) National water resources strategy, national environmental protection strategy;

b) Water resources planning, provincial planning, and related plans; socio-economic development plans of the locality and sectors related to water resource exploitation and utilization in river basins;

c) The capacity of water sources, water extraction and utilization needs of the transferring river basin and receiving river basin;

d) The scale of projects involving water transfer activities; the degree of impact of water transfer on water resource exploitation and utilization, flood prevention, erosion control of riverbeds, banks, and beaches, saltwater intrusion, and impacts on socio-economic development and the environment.

2. Approval of the content of the water transfer plan shall be carried out before the competent authority approves the investment orientation of the project or decides to invest in the project. The approval document for the content of the water transfer plan is one of the bases for considering the approval of the investment orientation of the project or the decision to invest in the project.

3. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this matter; specify procedures, processes, and approval authorities for the content of the water transfer plan.

Article 38. Operation Procedures for Reservoirs and Inter-Reservoir Systems

1. Dams and reservoirs must have operation procedures for reservoirs approved by competent authorities in accordance with laws on dam and reservoir safety management before storing water.

2. Dams and reservoirs listed in point a, Clause 7 of this Article must operate according to inter-reservoir operation procedures.

3. Operation procedures for reservoirs and inter-reservoir systems must be based on requirements to ensure the safety of the works, flood prevention, drought control, water supply for downstream areas, and principles stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 35 of this Law.

4. Operation procedures for reservoirs and inter-reservoir systems must be developed and promulgated towards real-time operation of reservoirs to ensure safety for the works and downstream areas, optimize water usage for various purposes and economic-social benefits and environmental benefits brought by water resources.

Organizations and individuals managing and operating dams and reservoirs are responsible for researching and investing in synchronized technical infrastructure solutions to meet the conditions and requirements for real-time operation of reservoirs and inter-reservoir systems.

5. Localities, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to participate in building or contributing funds for constructing and operating decision-support systems to operate reservoirs and inter-reservoir systems efficiently and economically while complying with the provisions of Article 70 of this Law.

6. Inter-reservoir operation procedures on river basins must be solicited from relevant Ministries, equivalent Ministries, provincial People's Committees, river basin organizations, and other related organizations before being submitted to competent authorities for approval.

7. Responsibilities for establishing operation procedures for reservoirs and inter-reservoir systems are specified as follows:

a) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment compiles a list of dams and reservoirs that must operate according to inter-reservoir operation procedures; takes the lead and coordinates with relevant Ministries, equivalent Ministries, and provincial People's Committees to organize the establishment and adjustment of inter-reservoir operation procedures on river basins, and submit them to the Prime Minister for approval.

In cases where Ministries, equivalent Ministries, provincial People's Committees, or organizations managing and operating dams and reservoirs propose adjustments to inter-reservoir operation procedures, they must develop adjustment plans to send to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for review and submission to the Prime Minister for approval.

b) Organizations managing and operating dams and reservoirs are responsible for establishing and adjusting operation procedures for reservoirs, submitting them to competent authorities for approval in accordance with laws on dam and reservoir safety management, and ensuring compatibility with inter-reservoir operation procedures.

8. When technical infrastructure meets the conditions and requirements for real-time operation of reservoirs and inter-reservoir systems, the establishment and adjustment of real-time inter-reservoir operation procedures shall be carried out as follows:

a) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organizes the establishment or adjustment of real-time inter-reservoir operation procedures, and submits them to the Prime Minister for approval.

In cases where Ministries, equivalent Ministries, provincial People's Committees, or organizations managing and operating dams and reservoirs propose adjustments to real-time inter-reservoir operation procedures, they must develop adjustment plans to send to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for review and submission to the Prime Minister for approval.

b) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and provincial People's Committees, within their respective duties and powers, examine and approve real-time operation procedures for reservoirs upon request from organizations managing and operating dams and reservoirs.

c) Organizations managing and operating dams and reservoirs are encouraged to establish and apply standards, research, transfer, and apply advanced science and technology to operate reservoirs in real time, enhancing the efficiency of water resource exploitation and utilization, ensuring safety, and downstream water supply.

9. For reservoirs not included in the list of dams and reservoirs required to establish inter-reservoir operation procedures on river basins as stipulated in point a, Clause 7 of this Article, based on requirements to ensure dam and reservoir safety, minimum flow, flood and drought prevention, and downstream water supply needs, provincial People's Committees compile lists of dams and reservoirs on rivers and streams under their jurisdiction that need to establish coordinated operation regulations and seek opinions from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment before approving.

Based on the list of dams and reservoirs on rivers and streams under their jurisdiction that need to establish coordinated operation regulations, provincial People's Committees organize the establishment of coordinated operation regulations between dams and reservoirs on rivers and streams and seek opinions from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment before promulgating them.

In cases where dams and reservoirs on rivers and streams that need to establish coordinated operation regulations fall within the scope of two provinces or centrally-administered cities or more, the provincial People's Committee in the lower reaches will take the lead in establishing coordinated operation regulations and seek opinions from relevant provincial People's Committees and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment before promulgating them.

10. The Government shall provide detailed regulations for Clause 4, point a, Clause 7, Clause 8, and Clause 9 of this Article.

Article 39. Artificial Replenishment of Underground Water

1. The State encourages organizations and individuals to research solutions and implement artificial replenishment of underground water. Prioritize investment and construction of water storage works combined with artificial replenishment of underground water in islands, water-scarce areas, and regions specified in point a, Clause 5, Article 31 of this Law.

2. Artificial replenishment of underground water must be based on the results of assessing suitability regarding quality, quantity, and capacity for retaining and storing underground water; demand for exploitation and utilization of water resources and requirements for protecting underground water; economic and social impact assessment and environmental impact assessment of artificial replenishment of underground water.

3. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall issue regulations on artificial replenishment of underground water.

Article 40. Artificial Rainmaking

Artificial rainmaking includes inducing rain or increasing rainfall, which must be based on the demand for exploitation and utilization of water resources in water-deficient regions and conditions permitting to decide reasonable measures and scale, and must be approved by competent state agencies according to laws on meteorology and hydrology.

Section 2

EXPLOITATION AND USE OF WATER RESOURCES

Article 41. General Provisions on Exploitation and Utilization of Water Resources

1. The exploitation and utilization of water resources for domestic purposes, agricultural production, aquaculture, industrial production, inland waterway transport, hydropower, irrigation, sports, tourism, business, services, source creation, salinity intrusion prevention, landscape creation, and other purposes must comply with the principles stipulated in Article 3 of this Law and the following provisions:

a) Investment and construction of water resource exploitation works, dams, reservoirs, water regulation and storage works, and development of water sources must be consistent with water resource planning, provincial planning, technical and specialized planning containing contents related to the exploitation and utilization of water resources; and the capacity of water sources to meet demands.

b) The exploitation and utilization of water resources must be subject to management, supervision, regulation, and distribution by state management agencies for water resources.

c) The exploitation and utilization of water resources must be consistent with the capacity of water sources to meet demands, and plans for regulating and distributing water resources.

d) Water resource exploitation must ensure minimum flow requirements on rivers and streams; groundwater extraction thresholds and quotas for water resource exploitation.

đ) Implement declaration, registration, and licensing for water resource exploitation and utilization according to the provisions of this Law.

2. The exploitation and utilization of water resources on transboundary rivers and streams must comply with international agreements and international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.

Article 42. Rights and Obligations of Organizations and Individuals Exploiting and Utilizing Water Resources

1. Organizations and individuals exploiting and utilizing water resources have the following rights:

a) To exploit and utilize water resources for domestic purposes, agricultural production, aquaculture, industrial production, inland waterway transport, hydropower, irrigation, sports, tourism, business, services, and other purposes according to the provisions of this Law and other relevant laws.

b) To benefit from the exploitation and utilization of water resources.

c) To be protected by the State in their lawful rights and interests during the exploitation and utilization of water resources.

d) To divert water through adjacent immovable property under the management and use of other organizations and individuals according to the provisions of the law.

đ) To lodge complaints and initiate lawsuits against acts violating the rights to exploit and utilize water resources and other lawful interests according to relevant laws.

e) To request the issuing authority to temporarily suspend the validity of the water resource exploitation license for a certain period.

g) In cases where the volume of water exploitation must be reduced or suspended temporarily upon request of competent state authorities, they shall be entitled to a reduction in the fee for the right to exploit water resources corresponding to the number of days and volume of water exploitation that has been reduced or suspended.

h) Other rights as prescribed by law.

2. Organizations and individuals exploiting and utilizing water resources have the following obligations:

a) To protect water resources, prevent and mitigate harm caused by water according to the provisions of this Law and other relevant laws.

b) To use water for its intended purpose, efficiently, economically, and safely.

c) Not to obstruct or cause damage to the lawful exploitation and utilization of water resources by other organizations and individuals.

d) To protect water sources directly exploited and utilized by themselves.

đ) To fulfill financial obligations and compensate for damages caused by themselves during the exploitation and utilization of water resources according to the law.

e) To provide information and data related to the exploitation and utilization of water resources at the request of competent state authorities; to facilitate basic investigations of water resources, scientific research, and technological development concerning water resources.

g) When adjusting or supplementing the scale of exploitation or the purpose of utilization of water resources, permission from competent state authorities is required, except in cases not requiring registration or licensing as stipulated in Article 52 of this Law.

h) To reduce, decrease, or increase the volume of water exploitation or adjust the operation mode of water exploitation facilities when requested by competent state authorities.

i) To comply with quotas for water resource exploitation set by competent state authorities for water resources.

k) To strictly adhere to all contents stipulated in the water resource exploitation license.

l) Other obligations as prescribed by law.

Article 43. Exploitation of water resources for domestic use

1. Organizations and individuals exploiting water resources for production and supplying clean water for domestic use shall have the following responsibilities:

a) Applying technical standards and operating the water supply system with a backup water supply plan, preventive measures, and responses to water pollution incidents, water shortages, and other emergencies as prescribed by laws on water supply to ensure stable, safe, continuous water supply and minimize water loss and waste;

b) Directing the sanitary protection zones for water extraction areas for domestic use and monitoring activities within these zones;

c) Implementing water resource exploitation monitoring and automatic continuous and periodic water quality monitoring according to Article 51 of this Law and connecting, transmitting data to the National Water Resources Information System and Database.

2. Combining centralized and decentralized water supply models in investment construction, management, and operation of domestic water supply facilities. The investment construction, management, and operation of centralized domestic water supply facilities must ensure that they do not hinder the water extraction of organizations and individuals who have been licensed to exploit water resources in the area served by the water supply.

3. The Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Health, within their respective duties and authorities, shall have the following responsibilities:

a) Adjusting and supplementing the content related to water supply in relevant planning schemes for urban and rural domestic water supply to be consistent with water resource planning;

b) Issuing and implementing technical standards and regulations to ensure safety, efficient and economical water use, and minimize water loss; issuing national technical standards on the quality of clean water for domestic purposes; proposing mechanisms and policies to support sustainable and safe household-scale domestic water supply development in rural areas;

c) Directing the establishment of backup water supply plans, preventive measures, and responses to water pollution incidents, water shortages, and other emergencies.

4. Provincial People's Committees shall organize emergency measures to ensure domestic water supply in cases of drought, water shortage, or serious water pollution incidents causing water shortages.

5. The Government shall stipulate the production, supply, and consumption of domestic water.

Article 44. Exploitation of water resources for agricultural production

1. Organizations and individuals exploiting water resources for agricultural production shall have the following responsibilities:

a) Implementing water-saving measures, preventing soil acidity and salinity, soil erosion, and ensuring no water pollution;

b) Adhering to reservoir operation procedures, inter-reservoir operation procedures, and hydraulic engineering operation procedures as prescribed in Article 38 of this Law and laws on hydraulics;

c) Operating reservoirs, hydraulic engineering facilities, and systems to ensure design tasks, flow circulation, maintaining minimum flow as prescribed in Article 24 of this Law, avoiding water accumulation and pollution; implementing water resource exploitation monitoring as prescribed in Article 51 of this Law; using water efficiently, minimizing loss and waste, improving water use efficiency, combining water source improvement, recovery, and development.

2. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and provincial People's Committees, within their respective duties and authorities, shall have the following responsibilities:

a) Reviewing and adjusting reservoir operation procedures, hydraulic engineering facilities, and systems to ensure efficient and economical water use, multi-purpose use, preventing water loss and waste, and ensuring flow circulation within the system without causing water accumulation and pollution;

b) Directing the organization of crop rotation, planting, and animal husbandry adjustments suitable for water availability, water scenarios, and water resource regulation and distribution plans as prescribed in Articles 35 and 36 of this Law; applying advanced irrigation technologies that are efficient and economical.

Article 45. Exploitation of water resources for hydropower

1. The exploitation of water resources for hydropower must ensure comprehensive and multi-objective use, except in cases of small-scale water extraction; participate in flood reduction and water supply to downstream areas upon request from competent authorities; ensure requirements for dam and reservoir safety.

2. Organizations and individuals exploiting water resources for hydropower must comply with the operation procedures of reservoirs and interconnected reservoirs as stipulated in Article 38 of this Law and laws on dam and reservoir safety.

3. The Ministry of Industry and Trade shall direct the review and adjustment of hydropower reservoir operation procedures as stipulated in Article 38 of this Law to ensure safety, efficient and economical water use, multi-objective purposes, flood prevention, and maintain minimum flow as prescribed in Article 24 of this Law while supplying water to downstream areas.

Article 46. Exploitation of water resources for salt production and aquaculture

1. The State encourages investment in the exploitation of seawater for salt production.

Organizations and individuals exploiting seawater for salt production must not cause salinization, adversely affect agricultural production and the environment.

2. Organizations and individuals exploiting water resources for aquaculture must not cause depletion, pollution, obstruction of water flow, damage to river structures, hindrance to inland navigation, or salinization of water sources.

3. Aquaculture activities in reservoirs must not affect dam and reservoir safety, water quality, flood prevention tasks, and water supply to downstream areas.

Article 47. Exploitation of water resources for industrial production, mineral extraction and processing, and other purposes

1. Organizations and individuals exploiting water resources for industrial production and mineral extraction and processing must implement measures to collect and treat used water to meet national technical standards for wastewater before discharging it into water sources.

2. Organizations and individuals exploiting and using water resources for scientific research, healthcare, sports, entertainment, tourism, saline intrusion prevention, landscape creation, and other purposes must use water reasonably, economically, and effectively without causing depletion, pollution, obstruction of water flow, or other adverse impacts on water sources.

Article 48. Use of water for inland waterway transportation

1. The State encourages the use of water for developing inland waterway transportation.

2. Inland waterway transportation activities must not cause water pollution, obstruct water flow, cause damage or erosion to riverbeds, banks, and channels; if damage occurs, compensation must be provided according to the law.

3. Construction and operation of inland waterway transportation infrastructure must not cause water pollution and must be compatible with the water level requirements of rivers and streams and the need to protect riverbeds, banks, and channels.

Article 49. Use of water for other purposes

1. Using surface water from reservoirs for business, services, and solar power generation must not affect dam and reservoir safety, water quality, flood prevention tasks, and water supply to downstream areas.

2. Using surface water from rivers, streams, canals, ditches, and creeks for aquaculture, business, and services must ensure no water pollution, obstruction of water flow, damage to riverbeds, banks, and channels, and no impact on other water extraction and utilization activities.

3. Activities such as excavating ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, canals, ditches, and creeks to create water storage spaces and landscapes must comply with the law and ensure no land subsidence, negative impacts on water sources, and the environment.

4. Activities specified in this Article must be carried out in accordance with the Land Law and other relevant laws; registration as prescribed in Article 52 of this Law must be completed.

Article 50. Dams, Reservoirs, and Water Exploitation and Utilization Related to Dams and Reservoirs

1. Investment and construction of dams and reservoirs on rivers and streams must be consistent with water resource planning, provincial planning, technical and specialized planning containing content on the exploitation and utilization of water resources, and must ensure multiple objectives, proactive water storage, regulation, distribution, recovery, and development of water sources.

2. Investment, construction, management, and operation of dam and reservoir projects and management of water source exploitation and utilization from reservoirs must ensure the safety of dams and reservoirs.

3. Investment and construction of dams and reservoirs on rivers and streams must meet the following requirements:

a) Compliance with flood prevention standards and other related technical requirements under laws on disaster prevention and control; ensuring the comprehensive and multi-objective use of water resources; combining efforts to restore and recover depleted, exhausted, and polluted water sources;

b) The design and overall layout of main works must include components to ensure minimum flow as stipulated in Article 24 of this Law, increased water discharge downstream upon request of competent authorities, use of dead storage volume during severe droughts and water shortages, ensuring fish migration and navigation;

c) For investment and construction of irrigation dams and reservoirs, compliance with laws on irrigation must also be observed.

4. Construction and operation of reservoirs not built on rivers and streams must ensure no adverse impact on water sources and the environment; no effect on historical-cultural relics and scenic spots; comply with drainage regulations to prevent artificial flooding.

5. Water source exploitation and utilization from reservoirs and activities within water source protection zones must ensure requirements for water source protection, exploitation, utilization, and prevention and mitigation of water-related hazards as prescribed by this Law; safety management of dams and reservoirs during investment, construction, management, and operation shall be carried out in accordance with laws on dam and reservoir safety management.

Operation of dams and reservoirs on rivers and streams must also ensure requirements for flood reduction downstream, comprehensive and multi-objective water use, combined restoration and recovery of water sources, creation of landscapes, and adherence to principles set forth in Articles 35 and 36 of this Law.

6. Organizations and individuals managing and operating dams and reservoirs have the following responsibilities:

a) Adhere to reservoir operation procedures; ensure dam and reservoir safety, minimum flow, and requirements for flood and drought prevention and control; if damage occurs, compensation must be provided according to the law;

b) Follow orders for reservoir operation issued by competent state agencies in cases of floods, droughts, saline intrusion, and other emergencies;

c) Implement plans for water resource regulation and distribution in river basins; allocate reservoir volumes to enhance flood reduction and downstream water supply capabilities, and restore water sources as required by competent state agencies;

d) Implement notification and warning measures to ensure safety for people and related activities in the lower reaches of dams and reservoirs before discharging water downstream, in accordance with laws on dam and reservoir safety management;

đ) Monitor hydro-meteorological conditions, connect data to the National Water Resources Information System and Database, and calculate and forecast inflow volumes for reservoir operation, inter-reservoir coordination, and water resource regulation and distribution as prescribed by law; implement monitoring and supervision of water resource exploitation as stipulated in Article 51 of this Law;

e) Implement reporting and information provision systems as prescribed by this Law and other relevant laws;

g) Develop emergency response plans for natural disasters and emergency situations in accordance with laws on disaster prevention and control and dam and reservoir safety management;

h) Implement boundary marking for water source protection zones as prescribed in Article 23 of this Law.

7. Encourage organizations and individuals managing and operating dams and reservoirs to hire organizations and individuals with the necessary qualifications and capacity to provide support services for reservoir operation decisions as prescribed in Article 70 of this Law, aiming to optimize economic, social, and environmental benefits derived from water resources.

8. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, shall study and propose plans to utilize part of the flood-prevention volume above normal water levels in large and important reservoirs to enhance flood reduction capabilities in downstream areas during emergencies and unusual situations, to be decided by the Prime Minister.

9. The State invests and encourages organizations and individuals to construct projects and reservoirs aimed at protecting, controlling, restoring, recovering, and developing water sources, providing and storing water, replenishing groundwater, transferring water to water-scarce regions, islands with permanent residents, and areas significantly affected by climate change, ensuring proactive freshwater storage, regulation, and distribution of water resources within and between provinces.

Article 51. Water Resources Monitoring and Supervision

1. Water resources monitoring includes measuring and calculating rainfall, flow rate, water level, surface water quality, and groundwater quality. The monitoring shall be conducted through automatic, continuous, periodic monitoring methods, as follows:

a) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall organize the construction and operation of water resource monitoring networks for inter-provincial surface water sources, international surface water sources, groundwater sources, meteorological and hydrological observations, and water environment quality. The establishment of the water resource monitoring network must comply with the overall plan for basic investigation of water resources.

b) Provincial People's Committees shall organize the construction and operation of water resource monitoring networks for intra-provincial water sources. The establishment of the water resource monitoring network must comply with provincial planning.

c) Organizations and individuals exploiting water resources must conduct monitoring and install measuring equipment that has been inspected and calibrated according to the provisions of the law on measurement. Encouragement is given to organizations and individuals to participate in investment, construction, and operation of monitoring facilities and to provide monitoring data on water resources to state management agencies.

In cases where organizations and individuals exploit water resources for production and supply of clean water for daily use, they must comply with the provisions of this clause and implement automatic, continuous, and periodic monitoring of the quality of exploited water sources.

d) The relocation, change of location, or dissolution of surface water resource monitoring stations shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on meteorology and hydrology; for groundwater resource monitoring stations, it shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. Organizations and individuals implementing activities leading to the need to relocate or change the location of monitoring stations shall bear responsibility for compensation in accordance with the law.

đ) Monitoring results of water resources, meteorology and hydrology, and water environment quality must be updated and shared in the National Water Resources Information System and Database.

2. Water resources exploitation supervision is regulated as follows:

a) State management agencies for water resources shall be responsible for receiving monitoring data from organizations and individuals exploiting water resources and supervising the implementation of the contents of registration confirmation certificates and water resource exploitation permits.

b) Organizations and individuals exploiting water resources shall be responsible for updating, connecting, and transmitting monitoring data into the National Water Resources Information System and Database to serve the supervision of water resource exploitation.

c) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Provincial People's Committees shall supervise water resource exploitation activities for projects within their licensing authority.

3. The Government shall stipulate the objects, scale, regime, parameters, indicators for monitoring and supervising water resource exploitation, water quality, and the implementation timeline.

Section 3

DECLARATION, REGISTRATION, AND LICENSE FOR WATER RESOURCES

Article 52. General Provisions on Declaration, Registration, and Licensing for Exploration, Exploitation, and Utilization of Water Resources

1. Organizations and individuals exploiting water resources for daily use, agricultural production, aquaculture, industrial production, hydropower, irrigation, sports, tourism, business, services, water source creation, salinity intrusion prevention, flood control, landscape creation, and other purposes must have a water resource exploitation permit corresponding to the type of water source being exploited, as provided for in Clause 2 of this Article, except for the cases specified in Clauses 3, 4, and 5 of this Article; in the case of groundwater exploitation, a groundwater exploration permit must also be obtained before constructing the project.

2. Water resource exploitation permits include:

a) Surface water exploitation permit;

b) Groundwater exploitation permit;

c) Seawater exploitation permit.

3. Organizations and individuals are not required to declare, obtain a license for water resource exploitation, and register for water resource exploitation and utilization in the following cases:

a) Exploiting water for cultural, religious, and belief activities, firefighting, serving national defense and security purposes, irrigation, and street washing for public purposes;

b) Small-scale surface water exploitation for agricultural production and aquaculture purposes;

c) Small-scale surface water exploitation for purposes other than those specified in point a and point b of this clause and point đ of Clause 5 of this Article;

d) Exploiting water for daily use in areas affected by drought, water shortage, salinity intrusion, pollution incidents, and epidemics declared by competent authorities in accordance with the law;

đ) Exploiting seawater for salt production;

e) Exploiting seawater for marine activities;

g) Small-scale seawater exploitation for production, business, service, and aquaculture activities on islands and mainland;

h) Using river, stream, canal, ditch, pond water surfaces for small-scale aquaculture, business, and service activities;

i) Digging small ponds, lakes, canals, ditches, and streams to create space for water collection, conveyance, and landscape creation;

k) Activities using water surfaces within the scope of water conservancy works protection in accordance with the law on water conservancy;

l) Other cases as prescribed by the Government.

4. Households exploiting groundwater for their own daily use must declare for management purposes.

5. Organizations and individuals must register for water resource exploitation and utilization in the following cases:

a) Medium-scale surface water exploitation for agricultural production and aquaculture purposes;

b) Small-scale groundwater exploitation for purposes other than those specified in point a of Clause 3 and Clause 4 of this Article;

c) Using self-flowing groundwater in mining pits for ore selection at the pit or pumping water to dry up the self-flowing water in mining pits;

d) Medium-scale seawater exploitation for production, business, service, and aquaculture activities on islands and mainland;

đ) Medium and small-scale river, stream, canal, ditch, and pond structures for water source creation, salinity intrusion prevention, flood control, and landscape creation.

e) Using the surface water of rivers, streams, canals, ditches, creeks, reservoirs for aquaculture, business, and services on a scale not falling within the cases prescribed in point h, Clause 3, Article of this Law; using the surface water of reservoirs for solar power production;

g) Dredging rivers, streams; digging lakes, ponds, canals, ditches to create space for water collection, storage, conveyance, and landscape purposes on a scale not falling within the cases prescribed in point i, Clause 3, Article of this Law.

6. The competent state agency prescribed in Article 53 of this Law shall issue a water resources exploitation permit in which it determines the quota for water resources exploitation for organizations and individuals falling within the cases prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article; confirm the registration of water resources exploitation and utilization for organizations and individuals falling within the cases prescribed in Clause 5 of this Article.

7. In cases where organizations and individuals explore and exploit underground water within the scope of protection of irrigation works, the agency issuing the water resources exploitation permit must seek the written opinion of the state management agency of such irrigation works before issuing the permit for exploration and exploitation of underground water.

8. The process of soliciting opinions from community representatives and organizations and individuals related to the impact of water exploitation works is regulated as follows:

a) Organizations and individuals investing in constructing water exploitation works that significantly affect economic and social development activities and people's lives in the locality shall be responsible for coordinating with local authorities to solicit opinions from community representatives and organizations and individuals related to the impact of the project's exploitation and utilization plan of water resources; compile, absorb, explain in writing and submit along with the application for issuance of a water resources exploitation permit;

b) Organizations and individuals investing in projects must publicize and disclose information related to the exploitation of water resources of the project and potential impacts before implementation;

c) The cost of organizing the solicitation of opinions shall be borne by the organization or individual investing in the project.

9. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this matter.

Article 53. Competence, Procedures, and Formalities for Declaration, Registration, Issuance of Permits for Exploration, Exploitation, and Utilization of Water Resources

The competence, procedures, and formalities for issuing, extending, amending, reissuing, approving return, suspending, terminating, and revoking water resources exploitation permits, underground water exploration permits, and declarations and registrations for exploitation and utilization of water resources are regulated as follows:

1. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall issue, extend, amend, reissue, approve return, suspend, terminate, and revoke water resources exploitation permits and underground water exploration permits for works with large-scale water exploitation; water exploitation works with cross-regional and inter-provincial impacts;

2. Provincial People's Committees shall issue, extend, amend, reissue, approve return, suspend, terminate, and revoke water resources exploitation permits and underground water exploration permits not falling within the cases prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article; organize the registration of surface water and seawater exploitation and utilization;

3. District People's Committees shall organize the registration of underground water exploitation;

4. Commune People's Committees shall accept declarations of underground water exploitation by households for domestic use;

5. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this matter; specify the procedures and formalities for declarations of underground water exploitation by households, registrations for exploitation and utilization of water resources; specify the issuance, extension, amendment, reissuing, approval return, suspension, termination, and revocation of water resources exploitation permits and underground water exploration permits.

Article 54. Duration of Water Resources Exploitation Licenses and Underground Water Exploration Licenses

1. The duration of water resource exploitation permits is as follows:

a) Surface water exploitation permits have a maximum duration of ten years and a minimum of five years, and may be renewed multiple times, each renewal being for five years;

b) Seawater exploitation permits have a maximum duration of fifteen years and a minimum of ten years, and may be renewed multiple times, each renewal being for ten years;

c) Underground water exploitation permits have a maximum duration of five years and a minimum of three years, and may be renewed multiple times, each renewal being for three years;

d) In cases where organizations or individuals request issuance of licenses with durations shorter than the minimum duration prescribed in points a, b, and c of this Clause, the license shall be issued according to the requested duration in the application and may be extended multiple times, each extension not exceeding the duration of the previously issued license.

2. Underground water exploration licenses have a duration of two years and may be extended once, with the extension period not exceeding one year. In cases where organizations or individuals request issuance or extension of licenses with shorter durations, the licenses shall be issued or extended according to the requested duration in the application.

3. In cases where the application for extension of water resources exploitation licenses submitted by organizations or individuals is made 45 days prior to the expiration date of such licenses, the effective date recorded on the extended license shall be consecutive with the expiration date of the previously issued license.

Article 55. Principles for Registration and Issuance of Licenses for Exploration, Exploitation, and Utilization of Water Resources

1. In accordance with the authority, the subject, and the procedures and formalities prescribed by law.

2. Ensuring the interests of the State, the rights and legitimate interests of organizations and individuals who have been registered and issued water resources exploitation licenses and underground water exploration licenses, and other related organizations and individuals.

3. Prioritizing registration and issuance of permits for exploration, exploitation, and utilization of water resources for domestic use."

4. Protecting water resources and the environment in accordance with the provisions of the law; not causing degradation, depletion, or pollution of water sources during the implementation of exploration, exploitation, and utilization of water resources.

Article 56. Basis for Issuing Water Resources Exploitation Licenses and Underground Water Exploration Licenses

1. Issuing water resource exploitation permits and underground water exploration permits must be based on the following grounds:

a) Water resource planning; national sectoral planning, provincial planning, technical and specialized planning containing provisions on exploitation and utilization of water resources; the capacity of the water source to meet demands;

b) The current status of water resource exploitation and utilization in the region; requirements for protecting water resources;

c) The results of the assessment by competent state agencies regarding the application for issuance of water resources exploitation licenses and underground water exploration licenses as prescribed by the Government;

d) The needs for exploitation and utilization of water resources reflected in the application for issuance of the license.

2. In cases of issuing underground water exploitation licenses and underground water exploration licenses, they must also be based on the provisions of Article 30 and Clause 4 of Article 31 of this Law.

Article 57. Conditions for Issuing Water Resources Exploitation Licenses and Underground Water Exploration Licenses

1. Organizations and individuals are granted water resource exploitation permits when meeting the following conditions:

a) Completion of the solicitation of opinions as prescribed in Clause 8 of Article 52 of this Law;

b) Water resource exploitation activities conforming to the provisions set out in point a of Clause 1 of Article 56 of this Law; underground water exploitation activities conforming to the provisions concerning prohibited and restricted areas for underground water exploitation as prescribed in Article 31 of this Law;

c) Ensuring requirements for protection, exploitation, and utilization of water resources and prevention, control, and mitigation of adverse effects caused by water as prescribed by this Law;

d) Ensuring complete and accurate information and data used for preparing proposals and reports.

2. Organizations and individuals are eligible to receive underground water exploration licenses when meeting the following conditions:

a) Having construction plans for underground water exploration projects that meet the requirements for protecting underground water and conform to the provisions concerning prohibited and restricted areas for underground water exploitation as prescribed in Article 31 of this Law;

b) Ensuring complete and accurate information and data used for preparing proposals.

3. Organizations exploiting surface water that construct dams or reservoirs on rivers or streams, in addition to complying with the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article and point b of Clause 3 of Article 50 of this Law, must also meet the following condition:

a) Having plans for equipment and personnel to monitor meteorological and hydrological conditions, forecast water inflow to the reservoir, operate the reservoir, monitor, and supervise water resource exploitation;

b) Having operational procedures for reservoirs in compliance with the legal provisions on dam and reservoir safety management for existing structures.

Section 4

WATER USE EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY

Article 58. Reuse of water, conservation, and efficient use

1. Organizations and individuals exploiting and using water resources shall implement the following measures to reuse water, conserve water, and use it efficiently:

a) Exploit and use water resources for their intended purposes in a reasonable manner;

b) Develop plans to replace outdated equipment, facilities, and technologies that consume large amounts of water;

c) Improve water usage processes; apply advanced technology in the exploitation and use of water resources; increase the capacity for water reuse and rainwater storage;

d) Arrange crop planting and animal husbandry schedules suitable for the water supply capacity; improve, optimize, and apply cultivation methods, construction techniques, maintenance, and operation of water conveyance and retention structures to conserve water and use it efficiently in agricultural production;

đ) Organizations and individuals managing and operating water supply systems must comply with technical standards to ensure stable, safe, continuous water supply and minimize water loss and waste;

e) Organizations and individuals managing and operating water conservancy works must apply measures to conserve and use water efficiently and ensure the rational operation of water supply systems, minimizing water loss and waste;

2. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Construction, and the Ministry of Science and Technology, within their respective duties and authorities, shall have the following responsibilities:

a) Develop models for efficient and effective water use; promote and publicize these models, water-saving technologies, and equipment;

b) Develop programs and plans and direct and guide research on applying water-saving technology models to gradually eliminate outdated technologies that consume large amounts of water;

3. Provincial People's Committees shall be responsible for synchronizing management measures and strictly controlling the implementation of regulations on efficient and effective water use at the local level.

Article 59. Reuse of Water and Water Recycling

1. The State encourages investment projects in production, business, and services that exploit and use water and discharge wastewater to adopt water reuse and recycling solutions from the project development stage.

2. Wastewater treatment and water recycling shall be carried out in accordance with environmental protection laws.

3. Investment projects in production, business, and services that exploit and use water and discharge wastewater in areas where surface water bodies no longer have the capacity to bear loads as announced by competent state agencies must have solutions for water reuse and recycling or develop wastewater treatment plans meeting environmental quality standards before discharging into water sources according to environmental protection laws.

4. Depending on socio-economic development conditions at the local level, provincial People's Committees shall plan and set timelines for specifying types of projects that must have water reuse and recycling plans in areas frequently affected by drought and water shortages and determine incentives for such projects under the law.

5. Investment projects in production, business, and services implementing water reuse and recycling solutions shall be considered for reduced fees for water resource exploitation rights according to this Law.

6. Organizations and individuals researching and applying water reuse and recycling solutions in areas where water sources are degraded, exceed groundwater extraction limits, and no longer have the capacity to bear loads.

Article 60. Incentives for water usage activities that are efficient and economical

1. Organizations and individuals investing in circulating water use, reusing water, collecting and using rainwater, desalinated seawater, and equipment and technology for water conservation shall be entitled to incentives as prescribed by law.

2. The criteria for products, equipment, and technology that conserve water shall be stipulated by the Minister of Science and Technology.

Chapter V

PREVENTION, CONTROL AND REMEDY OF HARM CAUSED BY WATER

Article 61. Responsibilities and obligations for preventing, controlling and remedying harm caused by water

1. State agencies, organizations, and individuals have the responsibility and obligation to participate in preventing, controlling, and remedying harm caused by water according to this Law and other relevant laws.

2. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and People's Committees at all levels, within their respective functions and powers, shall decide and implement measures to prevent, control, and remedy harm caused by water.

Article 62. Prevention, control and remedy of harm caused by water due to natural disasters

Measures to prevent, control, and remedy harm caused by floods, storm surges, hail, acid rain, and other water-related harms due to natural disasters shall be carried out in accordance with the Law on Dikes, the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, and other relevant laws.

Article 63. Prevention, control of droughts, water shortages, floods, and artificial flooding

1. The State shall invest and encourage organizations and individuals to participate in constructing water storage facilities, searching for water sources to proactively respond to droughts and water shortages; building new, renovating, and restoring lakes, ponds, and other facilities with water supply, regulation, flood prevention, and artificial flooding control functions; prioritizing the utilization of mining waste areas, construction materials sites, and land after cessation of extraction while ensuring environmental protection laws, mineral laws, and other relevant laws to form reservoirs for water regulation, storage, supply, and landscape creation.

2. The State shall prioritize comprehensive and integrated measures for rainwater storage and drainage to reduce urban flooding.

3. Urban planning, residential area planning, concentrated residential areas, tourist areas, industrial zones, economic zones, export processing zones, industrial clusters, and transportation planning must limit the conversion of special-use forests and upstream protective forests, filling in lakes, ponds, swamps, and provide solutions for rainwater storage and drainage to avoid artificial flooding.

4. The maximum limitation on channeling rivers, streams, canals, ditches should be ensured to maintain drainage capacity, reduce artificial flooding, and protect aquatic ecosystems.

5. The State shall prioritize investment in water regulation and storage facilities in areas frequently affected by droughts, water shortages, salinity intrusion, floods to ensure safety against floods, droughts, and salinity control.

6. Lakes, ponds, swamps, and reservoirs with functions of water regulation, supply, flood prevention, landscape creation, environmental protection, religious and cultural activities, biodiversity conservation shall be listed in the catalog of lakes, ponds, swamps, and reservoirs not to be filled and announced for management and protection.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall establish, announce, and adjust the catalog of lakes, ponds, swamps, and reservoirs not to be filled for inter-provincial surface water bodies. Provincial People's Committees shall establish, announce, and adjust the catalog of lakes, ponds, swamps, and reservoirs not to be filled for intra-provincial surface water bodies.

7. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall organize meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warnings, water resource mapping in real-time based on digital technology, and direct and supervise the implementation of water resource regulation and distribution plans as stipulated in Articles 35 and 36 of this Law.

8. The Minister of Construction shall issue national technical standards for urban planning and national standards for infrastructure projects to enhance water infiltration, storage, drainage capabilities, ensure groundwater recharge, and prevent flooding.

9. The Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Construction, within their respective functions and powers, shall ensure drainage capacity and not obstruct river flows or cause flooding in river basins during the design and construction of transportation infrastructure.

10. The Government shall specify detailed regulations for Clause 6 of this Article.

Article 64. Prevention and Control of Salinity Intrusion

1. The State shall invest and encourage organizations and individuals to participate in investing in construction of salinity prevention and freshwater retention works to proactively respond to droughts, water shortages, and salinity intrusion; priority shall be given to projects for planting protective forests to shield against waves in areas frequently affected by salinity intrusion.

2. Exploration and exploitation of underground water in delta and coastal regions must ensure prevention and control of salinity intrusion for underground water layers.

3. Exploitation of seawater for economic and social development shall not cause salinization of water sources.

4. Organizations and individuals exploiting and using water resources for agricultural production and aquaculture must take measures to prevent and control salinization of water sources.

5. Management and operation of salinity prevention and freshwater retention works and reservoirs, as well as water regulation works, must comply with procedures, standards, technical regulations to ensure prevention and control of salinity intrusion.

6. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Construction, and provincial People's Committees, within their respective functions and powers, based on water resource scenarios, adjustment plans, and distribution schemes of water resources as stipulated in Clause 4, Clause 7, Article 35 and Clause 1, Article 36 of this Law, shall organize implementation of measures to prevent and control salinity intrusion.

Article 65. Prevention and Control of Land Subsidence and Settlement

1. Organizations and individuals implementing activities as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 31 of this Law must comply with relevant technical standards and regulations to ensure that such activities do not cause land subsidence or settlement.

In case of land subsidence or settlement occurring, such activities must be immediately halted, remedial measures taken, and the local People's Committee notified; if damage occurs, compensation and responsibility must be borne according to the provisions of the law.

2. In areas experiencing land subsidence or settlement, or at risk thereof due to underground water exploration and exploitation activities, the provincial People's Committee shall organize demarcation of restricted and prohibited zones for underground water exploitation.

3. Prevention and control of land subsidence and settlement shall be carried out in accordance with Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article, and protection of underground water shall be implemented in accordance with Article 31 of this Law.

Article 66. Prevention and Control of River and Lake Bed, Bank, and Shoreline Erosion

1. Activities involving river and lake bed improvement, construction of hydraulic works, sand and gravel extraction, and other mineral extraction on rivers, lakes, and water source protection zones shall not cause erosion or adversely affect the stability of river and lake beds, banks, and shorelines, and water source protection zones.

2. Activities as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article that pose a risk of destabilizing river and lake beds, banks, and shorelines must conduct impact assessments and implement plans to protect and prevent erosion of river and lake beds, banks, and shorelines.

Impact assessment and review of plans to protect and prevent erosion of river and lake beds, banks, and shorelines shall be conducted during environmental impact assessment reviews. The content of impact assessment and plans to protect and prevent erosion of river and lake beds, banks, and shorelines is a key component of the environmental impact assessment report.

3. During the process of issuing permits for sand and gravel extraction and other mineral extraction on rivers and lakes, the competent authority issuing the permit must review the content regarding the location, scope, depth, and extraction regime before issuing the permit to ensure that it does not cause erosion to protect river and lake beds, banks, and shorelines.

Rivers and river sections with eroded or at risk of eroding banks and shorelines must be delineated as prohibited or temporarily prohibited zones for sand and gravel extraction and other mineral extraction. Delineation of prohibited and temporarily prohibited zones for sand and gravel extraction and other mineral extraction shall be carried out in accordance with the law on minerals.

4. Within their respective functions and powers, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall direct the operation of hydropower and irrigation works; the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Transport shall review and promulgate national technical standards and regulations for construction of works on rivers and within water source protection zones, and direct and supervise construction activities on rivers and within water source protection zones to meet requirements for prevention and control of river and lake bed, bank, and shoreline erosion.

6. The Government shall provide detailed regulations for Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article.

Chapter VI

ECONOMIC TOOLS, POLICIES AND RESOURCES FOR

WATER RESOURCES

Article 67. Sources of state budget revenue from water resource activities

1. Resource tax and other taxes as prescribed by laws on taxation.

2. Fees as prescribed by laws on fees and charges.

3. Payment for granting water resource exploitation rights.

4. Compensation payments to the State for damages, and revenues from administrative penalties in the field of water resources as prescribed by laws.

Article 68. Taxes and Fees on Water Resources

1. The resource tax shall be levied on natural water as prescribed by laws on resource tax.

2. The taxable value for the resource tax on natural water shall be implemented as prescribed by laws on resource tax and other relevant laws.

3. Thuế bảo vệ môi trường áp dụng đối với sản phẩm, hàng hoá mà việc sử dụng gây tác động xấu đến môi trường hoặc chất ô nhiễm môi trường được thực hiện theo quy định của pháp luật về thuế bảo vệ môi trường.

4. Phí về tài nguyên nước bao gồm:

a) Phí khai thác, sử dụng nguồn nước theo quy định của pháp luật về phí, lệ phí. Mức phí quy định tại điểm này được xác định trên cơ sở tính chất của dịch vụ công, hoạt động thuộc lĩnh vực tài nguyên nước;

b) Phí, mức phí bảo vệ môi trường đối với nước thải áp dụng đối với hoạt động xả nước thải ra môi trường theo quy định của pháp luật về phí, lệ phí và pháp luật về bảo vệ môi trường.

Điều 69. Tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước

1. Tổ chức, cá nhân khai thác tài nguyên nước thuộc trường hợp phải cấp phép khai thác nước mặt, nước dưới đất phải nộp tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước trong các trường hợp sau đây:

a) Khai thác nước mặt để phát điện có mục đích thương mại;

b) Khai thác nước mặt, nước dưới đất để phục vụ hoạt động sản xuất, kinh doanh, dịch vụ, nuôi trồng thủy sản, cấp cho nông nghiệp, cấp cho sinh hoạt.

2. Tổ chức, cá nhân khai thác tài nguyên nước không phải nộp tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước trong các trường hợp sau đây:

a) Khai thác nước biển;

b) Khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước cho sinh hoạt, sản xuất nông nghiệp, nuôi trồng thủy sản, sản xuất công nghiệp, thủy điện, thủy lợi, thể thao, du lịch, kinh doanh, dịch vụ, tạo nguồn, ngăn mặn, chống ngập, tạo cảnh quan quy định tại các khoản 3, 4 và 5 Điều 52 của Luật này;

c) Khai thác tài nguyên nước cho các mục đích tạo nguồn, ngăn mặn, chống ngập, tạo cảnh quan quy định tại khoản 1 Điều 52 của Luật này.

3. Tổ chức, cá nhân khai thác nước mặt, nước dưới đất theo quy định tại khoản 1 Điều này được miễn tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước trong các trường hợp sau đây:

a) Khai thác nước để cấp cho sinh hoạt của người dân khu vực biên giới, hải đảo, địa bàn có điều kiện kinh tế - xã hội khó khăn, địa bàn có điều kiện kinh tế - xã hội đặc biệt khó khăn;

b) Dự án có hạng mục công trình khai thác nước đã được Chính phủ Việt Nam bảo lãnh theo bảo lãnh Chính phủ;

c) Trong thời gian công trình khai thác nước bị hư hỏng do sự cố bất khả kháng không thể tiếp tục khai thác hoặc phải tạm dừng khai thác.

4. Tổ chức, cá nhân khai thác nước mặt, nước dưới đất theo quy định tại khoản 1 Điều này được giảm tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước trong các trường hợp sau đây:

a) Công trình khai thác nước phải cắt, giảm lượng nước khai thác khi cơ quan nhà nước có thẩm quyền yêu cầu theo quy định tại điểm g khoản 1 Điều 42 của Luật này;

b) Khai thác, sử dụng nước tuần hoàn, tái sử dụng nước theo quy định tại khoản 5 Điều 59 của Luật này;

c) Hồ chứa đã vận hành phải điều chỉnh, bổ sung dung tích phòng lũ cho hạ du so với nhiệm vụ của hồ chứa đã được phê duyệt;

d) Khai thác nước cho sản xuất nông nghiệp trong thời gian xảy ra hạn hán, thiếu nước, xâm nhập mặn.

5. Tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước được xác định căn cứ vào lượng nước, chất lượng của nguồn nước, loại nguồn nước, điều kiện khai thác, quy mô, thời gian khai thác, mục đích sử dụng nước.

6. Chính phủ quy định chi tiết việc nộp, miễn, giảm tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước; quy định phương pháp tính, mức thu tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước.

Điều 70. Dịch vụ về tài nguyên nước

1. Các dịch vụ về tài nguyên nước bao gồm:

a) Dịch vụ hỗ trợ ra quyết định điều hòa, phân phối tài nguyên nước;

b) Dịch vụ hỗ trợ ra quyết định vận hành hồ chứa, liên hồ chứa.

2. Tổ chức phải đáp ứng điều kiện sau đây để cung cấp dịch vụ quy định tại khoản 1 Điều này:

a) Có quyết định thành lập tổ chức của cơ quan có thẩm quyền hoặc giấy chứng nhận đăng ký doanh nghiệp hoặc tài liệu tương đương khác theo quy định của pháp luật về doanh nghiệp;

b) Có hạ tầng kỹ thuật, cơ sở vật chất, thiết bị, phần mềm bảo đảm khả năng thực hiện dịch vụ;

c) Có đội ngũ cán bộ chuyên môn phù hợp thực hiện dịch vụ hỗ trợ ra quyết định điều hòa, phân phối tài nguyên nước, dịch vụ hỗ trợ ra quyết định vận hành hồ chứa, liên hồ chứa.

3. Chính phủ quy định chi tiết Điều này.

Điều 71. Hạch toán tài nguyên nước

1. Hạch toán tài nguyên nước là quá trình tổng hợp, tính toán, cân đối nguồn nước, xác định giá trị tài nguyên nước trong các hoạt động kinh tế - xã hội, bảo đảm an ninh nguồn nước.

2. Việc hạch toán tài nguyên nước phải bảo đảm các nguyên tắc sau đây:

a) Bảo đảm đồng bộ, thống nhất về thông tin số liệu trong quá trình hạch toán;

b) Tích hợp với Hệ thống thông tin, cơ sở dữ liệu tài nguyên nước quốc gia;

c) Xây dựng theo các nhóm tài khoản về tài nguyên nước.

3. Kết quả hạch toán tài nguyên nước được sử dụng để cơ quan có thẩm quyền xem xét, quyết định việc điều hòa, phân phối và thực hiện các giải pháp quản lý khai thác, sử dụng và bảo vệ tài nguyên nước.

4. Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường chủ trì, phối hợp với Bộ Kế hoạch và Đầu tư, Bộ, cơ quan ngang Bộ có liên quan, Ủy ban nhân dân cấp tỉnh và tổ chức, cá nhân có liên quan tổ chức hạch toán tài nguyên nước.

5. Chính phủ quy định chi tiết Điều này và lộ trình thực hiện việc hạch toán tài nguyên nước.

Điều 72. Nguồn lực cho quản lý, bảo vệ, điều hoà, phân phối, phục hồi, phát triển, khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra

1. Nhà nước bố trí nguồn lực thực hiện các hoạt động sau đây:

a) Điều tra cơ bản, quy hoạch về tài nguyên nước;

b) Bảo vệ tài nguyên nước; phát triển, tích trữ nước và phục hồi nguồn nước bị suy thoái, cạn kiệt, ô nhiễm; bảo vệ, phát triển rừng;

c) Phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra;

d) Xây dựng Hệ thống thông tin, cơ sở dữ liệu tài nguyên nước quốc gia;

đ) Xây dựng, phát triển hạ tầng khai thác, sử dụng nước vùng biên giới, hải đảo, địa bàn có điều kiện kinh tế - xã hội khó khăn, địa bàn có điều kiện kinh tế - xã hội đặc biệt khó khăn, vùng khan hiếm nước ngọt;

e) Nghiên cứu khoa học, phát triển, chuyển giao công nghệ nhằm khai thác, sử dụng nước tiết kiệm, hiệu quả;

g) Phổ biến, tuyên truyền, truyền thông về tài nguyên nước;

h) Hội nhập, hợp tác quốc tế về tài nguyên nước;

i) Kiểm tra, thanh tra trong lĩnh vực tài nguyên nước;

k) Các hoạt động có liên quan đến khai thác, sử dụng, bảo vệ, phát triển, tích trữ nước, phục hồi nguồn nước, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra và các hoạt động khác liên quan đến tài nguyên nước nhằm bảo đảm an ninh nguồn nước.

2. Nguồn lực để thực hiện các hoạt động quy định tại khoản 1 Điều này bao gồm:

a) Ngân sách nhà nước từ nguồn chi thường xuyên và chi đầu tư phát triển;

b) Quỹ bảo vệ môi trường;

c) Nguồn đóng góp của tổ chức, cá nhân; nguồn xã hội hóa và các nguồn vốn hợp pháp khác theo quy định của pháp luật.

3. Ngân sách nhà nước bố trí phù hợp với khả năng ngân sách và yêu cầu nhiệm vụ về bảo vệ, phát triển nguồn nước. Sử dụng nguồn kinh phí sự nghiệp bảo vệ môi trường cho các hoạt động bảo vệ tài nguyên nước; phục hồi nguồn nước bị suy thoái, cạn kiệt, ô nhiễm; phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra.

4. Nhà nước khuyến khích các tổ chức tài chính phát triển tín dụng xanh, trái phiếu xanh và các sản phẩm tài chính để hỗ trợ cho việc bảo vệ, phát triển, phục hồi nguồn nước.

5. Tổ chức, cá nhân có trách nhiệm quản lý, sử dụng hiệu quả phần ngân sách được giao và nguồn thu khác theo quy định của pháp luật.

Điều 73. Ưu đãi, hỗ trợ đối với hoạt động quản lý, bảo vệ, điều hoà, phân phối, phục hồi, phát triển, khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra

Tổ chức, cá nhân được hưởng ưu đãi, hỗ trợ hoặc miễn, giảm tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước theo quy định của Luật này và pháp luật có liên quan khi thực hiện các hoạt động sau đây:

1. Tham gia phục hồi nguồn nước bị suy thoái, cạn kiệt, ô nhiễm;

2. Tìm kiếm, thăm dò, khai thác nước để cấp nước sinh hoạt, sản xuất cho người dân ở các vùng khan hiếm nước ngọt, vùng đồng bào dân tộc thiểu số, miền núi, biên giới, hải đảo, địa bàn có điều kiện kinh tế - xã hội khó khăn, địa bàn có điều kiện kinh tế - xã hội đặc biệt khó khăn, cho người nghèo, phụ nữ, trẻ em, người khuyết tật và các đối tượng dễ bị tổn thương khác;

3. Sử dụng nước tuần hoàn, tái sử dụng nước; thu gom, sử dụng nước mưa; xử lý nước biển thành nước ngọt; đầu tư thiết bị, công nghệ tiết kiệm nước;

4. Xây dựng các công trình điều tiết, tích trữ nước ở vùng khan hiếm nước, vùng đồng bào dân tộc thiểu số, miền núi, biên giới, hải đảo, địa bàn có điều kiện kinh tế - xã hội khó khăn, địa bàn có điều kiện kinh tế - xã hội đặc biệt khó khăn;

5. Phát triển công nghệ, thiết bị và sản phẩm phục vụ bảo vệ, phát triển và phục hồi nguồn nước;

6. Xây dựng, vận hành công trình bổ sung nhân tạo nước dưới đất.

Điều 74. Xã hội hóa đầu tư phát triển, tích trữ nước và phục hồi nguồn nước

1. Nhà nước khuyến khích xã hội hoá các hoạt động sau đây:

a) Phục hồi nguồn nước bị suy thoái, cạn kiệt, ô nhiễm;

b) Xây dựng các công trình phát triển, tích trữ nước.

2. Tổ chức, cá nhân đầu tư dự án có hoạt động quy định tại khoản 1 Điều này thực hiện theo quy định của Luật này, pháp luật về đầu tư, pháp luật về đầu tư theo phương thức đối tác công tư và quy định khác của pháp luật có liên quan.

Chương VII

HỢP TÁC QUỐC TẾ VỀ TÀI NGUYÊN NƯỚC

Điều 75. Nguyên tắc hợp tác quốc tế về tài nguyên nước

1. Tôn trọng độc lập, chủ quyền, toàn vẹn lãnh thổ và lợi ích hợp pháp của các quốc gia có chung nguồn nước.

2. Bảo đảm công bằng, hợp lý trong bảo vệ, khai thác, sử dụng, phát triển nguồn nước, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra đối với các nguồn nước liên quốc gia.

3. Không làm phương hại đến quyền và lợi ích hợp pháp của các quốc gia có chung nguồn nước phù hợp với điều ước quốc tế mà nước Cộng hòa xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam là thành viên.

4. Tuân thủ pháp luật Việt Nam, thoả thuận quốc tế, điều ước quốc tế mà nước Cộng hòa xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam là thành viên.

5. Bảo vệ, khai thác, sử dụng và phát triển nguồn nước liên quốc gia nhằm bảo đảm tối ưu và bền vững lợi ích do nguồn nước mang lại, có tính đến lợi ích của các quốc gia có chung nguồn nước.

6. Có các biện pháp phòng ngừa thích hợp để giảm thiểu tác hại do nước gây ra cho các quốc gia có chung nguồn nước trong quá trình sử dụng nguồn nước liên quốc gia thuộc lãnh thổ nước Cộng hòa xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam.

Điều 76. Nội dung hợp tác quốc tế về tài nguyên nước

1. Chủ động, tích cực hợp tác với các quốc gia, tổ chức nước ngoài, tổ chức quốc tế về tài nguyên nước, ưu tiên bảo vệ, phát triển bền vững tài nguyên nước, đào tạo nguồn nhân lực, nghiên cứu khoa học, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra nhằm bảo đảm an ninh nguồn nước.

2. Chủ động, tích cực hợp tác trao đổi thông tin, dữ liệu hiện trạng và dự báo về nguồn nước, khí tượng thủy văn, địa chất thủy văn và sinh thái, chất lượng nước có liên quan đến nguồn nước liên quốc gia; phối hợp nghiên cứu và lập quy hoạch bảo vệ, khai thác, sử dụng nguồn nước liên quốc gia; phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra đối với nguồn nước liên quốc gia; tạo thuận lợi cho việc quản lý, bảo vệ, phát triển bền vững tài nguyên nước và thực hiện các dự án liên quan đến nguồn nước liên quốc gia. Trường hợp thông tin, dữ liệu liên quan đến bí mật nhà nước thì thực hiện theo quy định của pháp luật về bảo vệ bí mật nhà nước.

3. Chủ động, tích cực tham gia, đóng góp thực chất, nghiên cứu đề xuất ý tưởng sáng kiến mới về tài nguyên nước tại các tổ chức, diễn đàn khu vực, quốc tế, các tổ chức lưu vực sông quốc tế có liên quan nhằm thúc đẩy hợp tác, khai thác, sử dụng và phát triển bền vững, bảo đảm an ninh nguồn nước liên quốc gia.

Điều 77. Trách nhiệm bảo vệ quyền và lợi ích của Việt Nam đối với nguồn nước liên quốc gia

1. Tổ chức, cá nhân có trách nhiệm bảo vệ quyền và lợi ích của Việt Nam liên quan đến nguồn nước liên quốc gia theo quy định của Luật này, các quy định khác của pháp luật Việt Nam và thoả thuận quốc tế, điều ước quốc tế có liên quan đến tài nguyên nước mà nước Cộng hòa xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam là thành viên.

2. Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường có trách nhiệm theo dõi, giám sát, tiếp nhận thông tin, tổng hợp tình hình các nguồn nước liên quốc gia, dự báo, cảnh báo những tác động bất lợi và kịp thời báo cáo, đề xuất Chính phủ, Thủ tướng Chính phủ xử lý nhằm bảo đảm quyền và lợi ích của Việt Nam.

3. Ủy ban nhân dân các cấp tại vùng biên giới có nguồn nước liên quốc gia khi phát hiện những vấn đề bất thường về lưu lượng, mực nước, chất lượng nguồn nước trên địa bàn thuộc phạm vi quản lý phải báo cáo Ủy ban nhân dân cấp trên trực tiếp; Ủy ban nhân dân cấp tỉnh có trách nhiệm báo cáo Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường.

Điều 78. Giải quyết tranh chấp, bất đồng về nguồn nước liên quốc gia

Tranh chấp, bất đồng liên quan đến tài nguyên nước giữa Việt Nam và các quốc gia, vùng lãnh thổ có chung nguồn nước được giải quyết trên cơ sở các nguyên tắc quy định tại Điều 75 của Luật này, thông qua biện pháp hòa bình, phù hợp với thoả thuận quốc tế, điều ước quốc tế mà nước Cộng hòa xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam là thành viên.

Trường hợp tranh chấp, bất đồng liên quan đến nguồn nước liên quốc gia xảy ra trong lưu vực sông có tổ chức lưu vực sông quốc tế mà nước Cộng hòa xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam tham gia còn phải được giải quyết theo quy định của tổ chức lưu vực sông quốc tế.

Chương VIII

TRÁCH NHIỆM QUẢN LÝ NHÀ NƯỚC VỀ TÀI NGUYÊN NƯỚC

Điều 79. Trách nhiệm quản lý nhà nước về tài nguyên nước của Chính phủ, Bộ, cơ quan ngang Bộ

1. Chính phủ thống nhất quản lý nhà nước về tài nguyên nước trong phạm vi cả nước.

2. Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường là cơ quan đầu mối giúp Chính phủ thực hiện quản lý nhà nước về quản lý, bảo vệ, điều hoà, phân phối, phục hồi, phát triển, khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước; quản lý lưu vực sông, nguồn nước và có trách nhiệm sau đây:

a) Ban hành theo thẩm quyền hoặc trình cơ quan nhà nước có thẩm quyền ban hành và tổ chức thực hiện văn bản quy phạm pháp luật về tài nguyên nước;

b) Ban hành quy chuẩn kỹ thuật quốc gia; định mức, đơn giá về quy hoạch, điều tra cơ bản, thăm dò, khai thác, sử dụng, bảo vệ tài nguyên nước;

c) Xây dựng và công bố bộ chỉ số quốc gia về an ninh nguồn nước và chủ trì, phối hợp với các Bộ, cơ quan ngang Bộ, Ủy ban nhân dân cấp tỉnh thực hiện các biện pháp bảo đảm an ninh nguồn nước;

d) Tổ chức lập, đề xuất điều chỉnh danh mục lưu vực sông liên quốc gia, danh mục lưu vực sông liên tỉnh trình Thủ tướng Chính phủ ban hành; ban hành, điều chỉnh danh mục lưu vực sông nội tỉnh, danh mục nguồn nước mặt liên quốc gia, danh mục nguồn nước mặt liên tỉnh, danh mục nguồn nước dưới đất;

đ) Phổ biến, tuyên truyền, truyền thông về tài nguyên nước nhằm nâng cao nhận thức về bảo vệ tài nguyên nước, khai thác, sử dụng nước tiết kiệm, hiệu quả; thanh tra, kiểm tra và xử lý vi phạm pháp luật về tài nguyên nước; đào tạo nguồn nhân lực về tài nguyên nước;

e) Tổ chức quan trắc, giám sát, cảnh báo, dự báo về mưa, lũ, lụt, hạn hán, thiếu nước, ô nhiễm, xâm nhập mặn và các hiện tượng bất thường về tài nguyên nước;

g) Quản lý, lưu trữ, công bố, xuất bản các tài liệu, thông tin, dữ liệu về tài nguyên nước; tổ chức xây dựng, hướng dẫn triển khai dịch vụ công trực tuyến về tài nguyên nước theo thẩm quyền;

h) Trình Chính phủ, Thủ tướng Chính phủ phương án giải quyết những vấn đề liên quan đến nguồn nước liên quốc gia, việc tham gia tổ chức quốc tế, ký kết thoả thuận quốc tế, điều ước quốc tế có liên quan đến tài nguyên nước; chủ trì các hoạt động hợp tác quốc tế về tài nguyên nước;

i) Thường trực Ủy ban sông Mê Công Việt Nam và các tổ chức lưu vực sông khác;

k) Thanh tra, kiểm tra, xử lý vi phạm pháp luật về tài nguyên nước theo thẩm quyền;

l) Thực hiện trách nhiệm khác theo quy định của Luật này và quy định khác của pháp luật có liên quan.

3. Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn, trong phạm vi nhiệm vụ, quyền hạn của mình, thực hiện quản lý nhà nước về quy hoạch, xây dựng, vận hành các công trình, hệ thống công trình thủy lợi, công trình cấp nước nông thôn và bảo đảm về an toàn đập, hồ chứa thủy lợi thuộc phạm vi quản lý theo các quy định về khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước; cung cấp thông tin, số liệu để xây dựng kịch bản nguồn nước và thực hiện trách nhiệm khác theo quy định của Luật này và quy định khác của pháp luật có liên quan.

4. Bộ Công Thương, trong phạm vi nhiệm vụ, quyền hạn của mình, thực hiện quản lý nhà nước về quy hoạch, xây dựng, vận hành các công trình khai thác, sử dụng nước và bảo đảm an toàn đập, hồ chứa thủy điện thuộc phạm vi quản lý theo các quy định về khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước; cung cấp thông tin, số liệu để xây dựng kịch bản nguồn nước và thực hiện trách nhiệm khác theo quy định của Luật này và quy định khác của pháp luật có liên quan.

5. Bộ Xây dựng, trong phạm vi nhiệm vụ, quyền hạn của mình, thực hiện quản lý nhà nước về quy hoạch, xây dựng, vận hành các công trình cấp, thoát nước đô thị, các khu dân cư nông thôn tập trung và khu chức năng thuộc phạm vi quản lý theo các quy định về khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước; cung cấp thông tin, số liệu để xây dựng kịch bản nguồn nước và thực hiện trách nhiệm khác theo quy định của Luật này và quy định khác của pháp luật có liên quan.

6. Bộ Ngoại giao, trong phạm vi nhiệm vụ, quyền hạn của mình, phối hợp với Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường, các Bộ, cơ quan ngang Bộ, địa phương liên quan tham gia ký kết, thực hiện các điều ước quốc tế, thoả thuận quốc tế liên quan đến tài nguyên nước; tham gia thực hiện hợp tác quốc tế với các nước, các tổ chức nước ngoài trong lĩnh vực tài nguyên nước.

7. Bộ Quốc phòng, trong phạm vi nhiệm vụ, quyền hạn của mình, tổ chức thực hiện xây dựng, tổ chức lực lượng, phương tiện tham gia ứng phó, khắc phục sự cố ô nhiễm, suy thoái nguồn nước, sự cố mất an toàn đập, hồ chứa, ứng phó với sự cố, thảm hoạ, tìm kiếm cứu nạn liên quan đến nước theo quy định của pháp luật về phòng thủ dân sự, pháp luật về tình trạng khẩn cấp và pháp luật có liên quan; phối hợp với Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường tổ chức, quản lý, vận hành hệ thống quan trắc nguồn nước xuyên biên giới.

8. Bộ Công an, trong phạm vi nhiệm vụ, quyền hạn của mình, có trách nhiệm xây dựng, tổ chức thực hiện phương án bảo vệ công trình cấp nước sinh hoạt đặc biệt quan trọng; phòng ngừa, phát hiện, đấu tranh với các hành vi vi phạm pháp luật về tài nguyên nước; phối hợp, tổ chức lực lượng, phương tiện ứng phó sự cố, thảm họa liên quan đến nước; bảo đảm an ninh chính trị, trật tự, an toàn xã hội trên địa bàn, khu vực xảy ra sự cố, thảm họa liên quan đến nước theo quy định của pháp luật.

9. Các Bộ, cơ quan ngang Bộ có liên quan, trong phạm vi nhiệm vụ, quyền hạn của mình, có trách nhiệm phối hợp với Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường thực hiện quản lý nhà nước về tài nguyên nước nhằm bảo đảm an ninh nguồn nước và thực hiện nhiệm vụ khác theo quy định của Luật này.

Điều 80. Trách nhiệm quản lý nhà nước về tài nguyên nước của Ủy ban nhân dân các cấp

1. Ủy ban nhân dân cấp tỉnh, trong phạm vi nhiệm vụ, quyền hạn của mình, có trách nhiệm sau đây:

a) Ban hành theo thẩm quyền và tổ chức thực hiện văn bản quy phạm pháp luật về tài nguyên nước;

b) Tổ chức thực hiện Chiến lược tài nguyên nước quốc gia, quy hoạch tổng thể điều tra cơ bản tài nguyên nước, quy hoạch về tài nguyên nước; lập, tổ chức thực hiện phương án khai thác, sử dụng, bảo vệ tài nguyên nước, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra trong quy hoạch tỉnh;

c) Xác định các nguồn nước bị suy thoái, cạn kiệt, ô nhiễm; tổ chức thực hiện kế hoạch bảo vệ nước dưới đất;

d) Tổ chức ứng phó, khắc phục sự cố ô nhiễm nguồn nước; theo dõi, phát hiện và tham gia giải quyết sự cố ô nhiễm nguồn nước liên quốc gia theo thẩm quyền;

đ) Cung cấp thông tin, số liệu để xây dựng kịch bản nguồn nước; ban hành, điều chỉnh danh mục nguồn nước mặt nội tỉnh;

e) Phổ biến, tuyên truyền, truyền thông về tài nguyên nước nhằm nâng cao nhận thức về bảo vệ tài nguyên nước, khai thác, sử dụng nước tiết kiệm, hiệu quả;

g) Quản lý hành lang bảo vệ nguồn nước; tổ chức giám sát tài nguyên nước theo phân cấp; báo cáo Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường tình hình quản lý, khai thác, sử dụng, bảo vệ tài nguyên nước, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra trên địa bàn;

h) Thanh tra, kiểm tra, xử lý vi phạm pháp luật về tài nguyên nước trên địa bàn;

i) Tổ chức xây dựng, hướng dẫn triển khai dịch vụ công trực tuyến về tài nguyên nước theo thẩm quyền;

k) Phối hợp với Ủy ban Mặt trận Tổ quốc Việt Nam cùng cấp và các tổ chức thành viên phổ biến, tuyên truyền, truyền thông về tài nguyên nước;

l) Thực hiện trách nhiệm khác theo quy định của Luật này.

2. Ủy ban nhân dân cấp huyện, trong phạm vi nhiệm vụ, quyền hạn của mình, có trách nhiệm sau đây:

a) Thực hiện các biện pháp bảo vệ tài nguyên nước theo quy định của pháp luật; phối hợp với cơ quan, tổ chức quản lý trạm, công trình quan trắc, đo đạc, giám sát tài nguyên nước, công trình thăm dò, khai thác nước, xả nước thải vào nguồn nước để bảo vệ các công trình này;

b) Tổ chức ứng phó, khắc phục sự cố ô nhiễm nguồn nước; theo dõi, phát hiện và tham gia giải quyết sự cố ô nhiễm nguồn nước theo thẩm quyền; tổ chức thực hiện các biện pháp phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra;

c) Phổ biến, tuyên truyền về tài nguyên nước nhằm nâng cao nhận thức về bảo vệ tài nguyên nước, khai thác, sử dụng nước tiết kiệm, hiệu quả; thanh tra, kiểm tra và xử lý vi phạm pháp luật về tài nguyên nước trên địa bàn;

d) Định kỳ tổng hợp, báo cáo Ủy ban nhân dân cấp tỉnh tình hình quản lý, bảo vệ, khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra;

đ) Tiếp nhận, quản lý, bảo vệ mốc giới hành lang bảo vệ nguồn nước theo phân công; tổ chức đăng ký hoạt động khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước, theo thẩm quyền;

e) Thực hiện các nhiệm vụ quản lý nhà nước về tài nguyên nước theo phân cấp hoặc ủy quyền của Ủy ban nhân dân cấp tỉnh;

g) Thực hiện trách nhiệm khác theo quy định của Luật này.

3. Ủy ban nhân dân cấp xã, trong phạm vi nhiệm vụ, quyền hạn của mình, có trách nhiệm sau đây:

a) Thực hiện các biện pháp bảo vệ tài nguyên nước theo quy định của pháp luật; phối hợp với cơ quan, tổ chức quản lý trạm, công trình quan trắc, đo đạc, giám sát tài nguyên nước, công trình thăm dò, khai thác nước, xả nước thải vào nguồn nước để bảo vệ các công trình này;

b) Phổ biến, tuyên truyền về tài nguyên nước nhằm nâng cao nhận thức về bảo vệ tài nguyên nước, khai thác, sử dụng nước tiết kiệm, hiệu quả; kiểm tra, xử lý vi phạm pháp luật về tài nguyên nước trên địa bàn;

c) Tiếp nhận, quản lý, bảo vệ mốc giới hành lang bảo vệ nguồn nước theo phân công; giám sát các hoạt động trong hành lang bảo vệ nguồn nước, vùng bảo hộ vệ sinh khu vực lấy nước sinh hoạt theo quy định;

d) Định kỳ tổng hợp, báo cáo Ủy ban nhân dân cấp huyện việc khai thác nước dưới đất của hộ gia đình để sử dụng cho sinh hoạt;

đ) Thực hiện các nhiệm vụ quản lý nhà nước về tài nguyên nước theo phân cấp hoặc ủy quyền của Ủy ban nhân dân cấp trên;

e) Thực hiện trách nhiệm khác theo quy định của Luật này.

Điều 81. Điều phối, giám sát hoạt động bảo vệ, điều hoà, phân phối, phục hồi, phát triển, khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra trên lưu vực sông

1. Việc điều phối, giám sát được thực hiện đối với các hoạt động sau đây trên lưu vực sông:

a) Phối hợp các biện pháp bảo vệ tài nguyên nước, ứng phó, khắc phục sự cố ô nhiễm nguồn nước, phục hồi nguồn nước bị suy thoái, cạn kiệt, ô nhiễm, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra trên lưu vực sông;

b) Điều hoà, phân phối tài nguyên nước, duy trì dòng chảy tối thiểu trên sông và ngưỡng khai thác nước dưới đất; điều hòa, phân phối tài nguyên nước trong trường hợp hạn hán, thiếu nước trên lưu vực sông;

c) Xây dựng, vận hành đập, hồ chứa và các công trình điều tiết nước trên sông; dự án chuyển nước và các công trình khai thác nước quy mô lớn, quan trọng trên lưu vực sông;

d) Xả nước thải có nguy cơ gây ô nhiễm, suy thoái nghiêm trọng chất lượng nguồn nước; khắc phục sự cố ô nhiễm nguồn nước và phục hồi các nguồn nước bị suy thoái, cạn kiệt, ô nhiễm trên lưu vực sông;

đ) Hoạt động sử dụng đất, khai thác khoáng sản, bảo vệ và phát triển rừng trên lưu vực sông;

e) Hoạt động cải tạo cảnh quan, phát triển các vùng đất ven sông, ven hồ;

g) Xây dựng, thực hiện quy hoạch tổng hợp lưu vực sông liên tỉnh, quy trình vận hành liên hồ chứa trên lưu vực sông, dự án có hoạt động chuyển nước hoặc xây dựng hồ, đập trên sông; hệ thống hỗ trợ ra quyết định để điều hòa, phân phối điều tiết nguồn nước trên lưu vực sông liên tỉnh.

2. Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường thống nhất chỉ đạo việc phối hợp hoạt động của tổ chức lưu vực sông, Ủy ban nhân dân cấp tỉnh, cơ quan, tổ chức có liên quan trong việc điều hòa, phân phối tài nguyên nước, giám sát các hoạt động khai thác, sử dụng, bảo vệ tài nguyên nước, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra trên các lưu vực sông.

3. Ủy ban nhân dân cấp tỉnh chỉ đạo việc điều hòa, phân phối tài nguyên nước và điều phối, giám sát hoạt động khai thác, sử dụng, bảo vệ tài nguyên nước, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra trên lưu vực sông nội tỉnh.

4. Tổ chức lưu vực sông thực hiện điều phối, giám sát và có các nhiệm vụ sau đây:

a) Theo dõi, giám sát các hoạt động liên quan đến bảo vệ, điều hoà, phân phối, phát triển, khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra;

b) Tham gia ý kiến trong quá trình xây dựng quy hoạch về tài nguyên nước và các quy hoạch ngành quốc gia, quy hoạch tỉnh, quy hoạch có tính chất kỹ thuật, chuyên ngành có nội dung khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước; quy trình vận hành liên hồ chứa;

c) Theo dõi, giám sát việc triển khai thực hiện quy hoạch về tài nguyên nước, quy trình vận hành liên hồ chứa; kiến nghị điều chỉnh trong trường hợp cần thiết;

d) Kiến nghị các giải pháp giải quyết tranh chấp, bất đồng giữa Việt Nam với các quốc gia trong lưu vực sông liên quốc gia; theo dõi, giám sát các hoạt động liên quan đến tài nguyên nước của các quốc gia thượng nguồn;

đ) Đề xuất phương án giải quyết các vấn đề trong bảo vệ, khai thác, sử dụng, phát triển nguồn nước, xả nước thải, ô nhiễm nguồn nước;

e) Tham gia ý kiến trong quá trình xây dựng, phê duyệt chương trình, đề án, dự án có ảnh hưởng lớn đến tài nguyên nước và trong quá trình xây dựng, ban hành chính sách ưu đãi, hỗ trợ đầu tư liên quan đến tài nguyên nước;

g) Hỗ trợ các địa phương trong việc quyết định điều hoà, phân phối tài nguyên nước;

h) Tham gia giải quyết mâu thuẫn trong khai thác, sử dụng, bảo vệ tài nguyên nước trên lưu vực sông;

i) Tổ chức hoặc tham gia nghiên cứu, đề xuất phương hướng, cơ chế, chính sách, chiến lược, quy hoạch ngành quốc gia, công trình trọng điểm cấp quốc gia có liên quan đến tài nguyên nước và các nhiệm vụ khác trên lưu vực sông do Chính phủ quy định.

5. Chính phủ quy định chi tiết việc điều phối, giám sát hoạt động khai thác, sử dụng, bảo vệ tài nguyên nước, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra; quy định tổ chức và hoạt động của tổ chức lưu vực sông.

Chương IX

THANH TRA, KIỂM TRA VỀ TÀI NGUYÊN NƯỚC

1. Thanh tra Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường, Thanh tra Sở Tài nguyên và Môi trường thực hiện thanh tra chuyên ngành về tài nguyên nước.

2. Tổ chức và hoạt động thanh tra chuyên ngành về tài nguyên nước thực hiện theo quy định của pháp luật về thanh tra.

Điều 83. Kiểm tra việc chấp hành pháp luật về tài nguyên nước

1. Mục đích của kiểm tra việc chấp hành pháp luật về tài nguyên nước nhằm góp phần nâng cao hiệu lực, hiệu quả quản lý nhà nước, ý thức chấp hành pháp luật của tổ chức, cá nhân trong bảo vệ, khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước, phòng, chống và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra; phát hiện tồn tại, hạn chế để nghiên cứu, kiến nghị sửa đổi, bổ sung văn bản quy phạm pháp luật về tài nguyên nước; phòng ngừa, phát hiện và xử lý vi phạm pháp luật về tài nguyên nước.

2. Công tác kiểm tra việc chấp hành pháp luật về tài nguyên nước được thực hiện theo kế hoạch, chỉ đạo của cấp có thẩm quyền hoặc khi phát hiện dấu hiệu vi phạm; không trùng lặp về phạm vi, thời gian với hoạt động thanh tra, kiểm tra cùng lĩnh vực đối với một đơn vị; khách quan, công khai, minh bạch, đúng thẩm quyền, trình tự, thủ tục; không làm cản trở hoạt động bình thường của đối tượng được kiểm tra.

3. Thời hạn kiểm tra được xác định trong quyết định kiểm tra nhưng không quá 10 ngày kể từ ngày công bố quyết định kiểm tra; trường hợp phạm vi kiểm tra lớn, nội dung phức tạp có thể gia hạn một lần nhưng thời gian gia hạn không quá 10 ngày.

4. Trách nhiệm tổ chức và chỉ đạo thực hiện kiểm tra việc chấp hành pháp luật về tài nguyên nước được quy định như sau:

a) Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường, các Bộ có liên quan, trong phạm vi nhiệm vụ, quyền hạn của mình, có trách nhiệm tổ chức kiểm tra việc chấp hành pháp luật về tài nguyên nước;

b) Ủy ban nhân dân các cấp, trong phạm vi nhiệm vụ, quyền hạn của mình, có trách nhiệm tổ chức kiểm tra việc chấp hành pháp luật về tài nguyên nước.

5. Bộ trưởng Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường quy định chi tiết Điều này.

Chương X

 ĐIỀU KHOẢN THI HÀNH

Điều 84. Sửa đổi, bổ sung một số luật có liên quan đến tài nguyên nước

1. Sửa đổi, bổ sung điểm 3 thuộc Phụ lục II - Danh mục các quy hoạch có tính chất kỹ thuật, chuyên ngành của Luật Quy hoạch số 21/2017/QH14 đã được sửa đổi, bổ sung một số điều theo Luật số 15/2023/QH15 và Luật số 16/2023/QH15 như sau:

2. Sửa đổi, bổ sung một số điều của Luật Thủy lợi số 08/2017/QH14 đã được sửa đổi, bổ sung một số điều theo Luật số 35/2018/QH14, Luật số 59/2020/QH14, Luật số 72/2020/QH14 và Luật số 16/2023/QH15 như sau:

a) Sửa đổi, bổ sung điểm d khoản 1 Điều 27 như sau:

"d) Khi xảy ra hạn hán, thiếu nước, xâm nhập mặn, lũ, ngập lụt, úng việc vận hành hồ chứa, liên hồ chứa thực hiện theo quy định của pháp luật về tài nguyên nước.";

b) Sửa đổi, bổ sung điểm c khoản 1 Điều 44 như sau:

"c) Khoan, đào, khảo sát địa chất; thăm dò, khai thác khoáng sản, vật liệu xây dựng;";

c) Sửa đổi, bổ sung điểm c khoản 2 Điều 56 như sau:

"c) Chỉ đạo điều hòa, phân phối nước và tổ chức thực hiện xây dựng kế hoạch sử dụng nước trong hệ thống công trình thủy lợi phục vụ sinh hoạt, sản xuất nông nghiệp và các ngành kinh tế khác; phối hợp với Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường, Bộ Công Thương thực hiện việc điều tiết nước hồ chứa thủy điện phục vụ thủy lợi trong trường hợp hạn hán, thiếu nước, xâm nhập mặn;".

3. Sửa đổi, bổ sung một số điều của Luật Đầu tư số 61/2020/QH14 đã được sửa đổi, bổ sung một số điều theo Luật số 72/2020/QH14, Luật số 03/2022/QH15, Luật số 05/2022/QH15,Luật số 08/2022/QH15, Luật số 09/2022/QH15 và Luật số 20/2023/QH15 như sau:

a) Sửa đổi, bổ sung điểm g khoản 1 Điều 16 như sau:

"g) Thu gom, xử lý, tái chế hoặc tái sử dụng chất thải; phát triển, tích trữ nước và phục hồi nguồn nước;";

b) Sửa đổi, bổ sung một số điểm thuộc Phụ lục IV - Danh mục ngành, nghề đầu tư kinh doanh có điều kiện như sau:

4. Sửa đổi, bổ sung điểm c khoản 1 Điều 4 của Luật Đầu tư theo phương thức đối tác công tư số 64/2020/QH14 đã được sửa đổi, bổ sung một số điều theo Luật số 03/2022/QH15 như sau:

"c) Thủy lợi; cung cấp nước sạch; thoát nước và xử lý nước thải; xử lý chất thải; phát triển, tích trữ nước và phục hồi nguồn nước;".

5. Bãi bỏ Điều 5 của Luật sửa đổi, bổ sung một số điều của 37 luật có liên quan đến quy hoạch số 35/2018/QH14.

Điều 85. Hiệu lực thi hành

1. Luật này có hiệu lực thi hành từ ngày 01 tháng 7 năm 2024, trừ trường hợp quy định tại khoản 3 và khoản 4 Điều này.

2. Luật Tài nguyên nước số 17/2012/QH13 đã được sửa đổi, bổ sung một số điều theo Luật số 08/2017/QH14, Luật số 35/2018/QH14, Luật số 72/2020/QH14 (sau đây gọi chung là Luật số 17/2012/QH13) hết hiệu lực kể từ ngày Luật này có hiệu lực, trừ trường hợp quy định tại các khoản 1, 3 và 5 Điều 86 của Luật này.

3. Việc tính tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước cấp cho sinh hoạt theo quy định tại điểm b khoản 1 Điều 69 của Luật này được thực hiện từ ngày 01 tháng 7 năm 2025.

4. Việc kê khai khai thác nước dưới đất của hộ gia đình quy định tại khoản 4 Điều 52 của Luật này được thực hiện từ ngày 01 tháng 7 năm 2026.

Điều 86. Quy định chuyển tiếp

1. Tổ chức, cá nhân được cấp giấy phép hành nghề khoan nước dưới đất, giấy phép về tài nguyên nước theo quy định của Luật số 17/2012/QH13 thì được tiếp tục thực hiện đến hết thời hạn ghi trong giấy phép và được gia hạn, điều chỉnh, cấp lại giấy phép theo quy định của Luật này.

2. Tổ chức, cá nhân thuộc trường hợp quy định tại điểm b khoản 1 Điều 69 của Luật này đã được cấp giấy phép về tài nguyên nước để cấp cho sinh hoạt trước ngày Luật này có hiệu lực thi hành thì phải nộp tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước cho sinh hoạt theo quy định của Luật này và phải hoàn thành việc kê khai tính tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước chậm nhất là ngày 31 tháng 12 năm 2025.

3. Tổ chức, cá nhân thuộc trường hợp quy định tại điểm b khoản 1 Điều 69 của Luật này đã được cấp giấy phép về tài nguyên nước để cấp cho nông nghiệp trước ngày Luật này có hiệu lực thi hành mà không thuộc đối tượng nộp tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước theo quy định của Luật số 17/2012/QH13 thì không phải nộp tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước đối với lượng nước cấp cho nông nghiệp đến hết thời hạn ghi trong giấy phép về tài nguyên nước.

4. Tổ chức, cá nhân thuộc trường hợp quy định tại điểm b khoản 1 Điều 69 của Luật này được cấp, gia hạn giấy phép khai thác nước mặt để cấp cho nông nghiệp theo quy định của Luật này thì phải nộp tiền cấp quyền khai thác tài nguyên nước theo quy định của Luật này cùng thời điểm thu tiền sử dụng sản phẩm, dịch vụ thủy lợi khi Nhà nước không thực hiện chính sách hỗ trợ tiền sử dụng sản phẩm, dịch vụ công ích thủy lợi theo quy định của pháp luật về thủy lợi và pháp luật về giá.

5. Trường hợp tổ chức, cá nhân đã nộp hồ sơ đề nghị cấp, gia hạn, điều chỉnh, cấp lại giấy phép hành nghề khoan nước dưới đất, giấy phép về tài nguyên nước trước ngày Luật này có hiệu lực thi hành nhưng chưa được cấp phép thì được thực hiện theo quy định của Luật số 17/2012/QH13, trừ trường hợp tổ chức, cá nhân đề nghị thực hiện cấp giấy phép theo quy định của Luật này.

6. Trường hợp công trình thủy lợi đã xây dựng và khai thác trước ngày 01 tháng 01 năm 2013 mà chưa được đăng ký, cấp phép khai thác, sử dụng tài nguyên nước trước ngày Luật này có hiệu lực thi hành thì phải hoàn thành thủ tục đăng ký, cấp phép khai thác tài nguyên nước theo quy định của Luật này chậm nhất là ngày 30 tháng 6 năm 2027.

7. Quy hoạch tỉnh đã được phê duyệt trước ngày Luật này có hiệu lực thi hành thì nội dung phương án khai thác, sử dụng, bảo vệ tài nguyên nước và khắc phục tác hại do nước gây ra trong quy hoạch tỉnh được tiếp tục thực hiện đến khi hết thời hạn quy hoạch tỉnh hoặc đến khi nội dung này trong quy hoạch tỉnh được điều chỉnh.

8. Tổ chức, cá nhân thuộc trường hợp quy định tại điểm e và điểm g khoản 5 Điều 52 của Luật này có hồ, ao, kênh, mương, rạch để tạo không gian thu, trữ nước, dẫn nước, tạo cảnh quan và sử dụng mặt nước sông, suối, kênh, mương, rạch, hồ chứa để nuôi trồng thủy sản, kinh doanh, dịch vụ trước ngày Luật này có hiệu lực thi hành thì phải hoàn thành thủ tục đăng ký sử dụng tài nguyên nước theo quy định của Luật này chậm nhất là ngày 30 tháng 6 năm 2026.

Luật này được Quốc hội nước Cộng hòa xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam khoá XV, kỳ họp thứ 6 thông qua ngày 27 tháng 11 năm 2023.