Hanoi aims to manage its water sector based on digital technology, ensuring coordinated efforts across departments, sectors, and localities to effectively implement water resource planning.

Management of water resources has become increasingly important in the capital city. Source: VGP

This was part of the city’s latest action plan to realize Government Decision No.161 approving the national water resource planning for the period  2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

To achieve this, the Hanoi Government has set forth several key requirements for water resource management. These include comprehensive planning for inter-provincial river basins, technical planning for water extraction and usage, and the establishment of institutional policies.

Additionally, the city will develop and operate a water resource data information system to monitor and manage resources effectively. Other priorities include regulating, distributing, and developing water resources, improving water use efficiency, and protecting water resources from degradation, depletion, and pollution.

The city also plans to implement a dam and reservoir safety program, integrate science and technology, and foster international cooperation.

Public awareness campaigns and human resource training are essential components of this initiative, noted the plan.

To ensure the effective execution of these plans, Hanoi calls for a synchronized and focused approach to different sets of solutions. These include legal and policy frameworks, financial investment, scientific research, public awareness initiatives, and capacity building.

The city’s leaders have tasked the Department of Natural Resources and Environment with leading the assessment of the implementation of the Water Resource Planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will play a crucial role in refining the operational processes for dams and irrigation systems.  It will also be responsible for ensuring efficient and multi-purpose water use in accordance with legal principles and for reviewing technical plans related to water management.

Moreover, relevant departments are expected to work closely with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to develop and implement programs, proposals, and projects focusing on international cooperation, human resource development, and scientific application in water resource management.

The plan stressed that all initiatives must align with the available financial and human resources, as well as the city's economic development conditions. It is essential to maintain consistency between plans and resources while ensuring the feasibility and effectiveness of the water resource management strategies, stated in the plan.