Delegates attending the conference “Sustainable development of hydroelectricity -lessons and recommendations” held this week in Quang Nam have criticized the unbridled construction of hydroelectric power plants in the central province.

Hydroelectricity power plant Se San in the central province of Quang Nam, Photo: Tuoi Tre

Report shows that Quang Nam now has 119 hydroelectric plants built in forests. On average, one forest accommodates 2.5 projects.

Le Phuoc Thanh, chief of the parliamentary delegation of Quang Nam, said, “Hydroelectric power plants bring benefits to investors but not to local residents”. He pointed out their negative effects such as flood, relocation of citizens, lack of land for production, high rate of poverty and forest destruction.

Do Tai, chairman of the People’s Committee of Dong Giang District, complained that his residents do not have enough land for production and thus, have been forced to destroy the forest to earn a living.

Besides, the projects have caused bad effects on biological diversification.

At the conference, many professors and experts suggested leaders take urgent actions now to prevent further consequences from the thick power factory network.

Ph.D Vu Trong Hong, president of Vietnam Irrigation Association, recommended local authorities make a comprehensive survey to assess the stability of dams as soon as possible.

“We have taken the wrong step in building so many hydroelectric plants. Now, it’s hard for us to make amends,” said Dinh Van Thu, vice chairman of the People’s Committee of Quang Nam.

Source: tuoi tre