Illustrative image (Source: VNA)Dong Thap (VNA) – The Department of Natural Resources and Environment of the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap has begun taking measures to prevent erosion at the banks of the Tien and Hau Rivers.
According to Nguyen Trung Ngay, Director of the department, land erosion at the banks of the two rivers has been caused by the increasing speed of currents, the increasing boating traffic, climate change, and the illegal exploitation of sand.
In order to prevent erosion, it is necessary to implement both construction and non-construction methods, said Vo Thanh Ngoan, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
For non-construction measures, the province will ask localities to keep a close watch on the situation, plant warning boards and raise public awareness of the work.
The province’s steering committee for natural disaster prevention and search and rescue should regularly examine and conduct surveys on the river bank erosion to report to the provincial People’s Committee for timely solutions.
For construction measures, the province will continue implementing projects to solidify the river banks in Sa Dec city; Chau Thanh, Lap Vo and Hong Ngu districts; and Cao Lanh city.
Dong Thap has carried out a project to measure and predict river sections prone to erosion to recommend solutions. It has also proposed the Government provide it with over 876 billion VND (39 million USD) to deal with the problem.
The length of the Tien and Hau Rivers running through Dong Thap totals 158 kilometres with hundreds of branches. In 2015, more than 35 kilometres of river banks were eroded, affecting 35 communes and wards in the province.-VNA
