Huynh Van Thang, Vice Director of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and deputy head of the Committee on Flood and Storm Control and Search and Rescue, said the regulations plan to cap the water level of the Vu Gia River in Ai Nghia Town at only 2.53 metres.

He said, "This action violates the laws on water resources and the rights of residents close to the river to benefit from it. Normally, water levels of Vu Gia River stand at 2.53 metres at their lowest point, during periods of water shortage. Forcing the water level to remain at 2.53 means forcing those downstream to live with a permanent water shortage."

According to the regulation, when areas downstream face serious water shortages, Dak Mi 4 Hydropower Plant discharges 12.5 cubic metres per second, while other hydropower plants, such as A Vuong and Song Bung, contribute additional water. However, because of the amount of water that Dak Mi 4 Hydropower Plant drink up, the river would be lack 700 million cubic metres of water.

The Dak Mi 4 power plant takes water from Vu Gia River to produce electricity but often discharges into the Thu Bon River. "Deputy prime minister Hoang Trung Hai once asked the Dak Mi 4 to return water to Vu Gia River but this regulation violates his directive. The consultants for this regulation has put the interest of power plants above 1.7 million people living downstream," Thang said.

He went on to say that Danang has always had to bear with the consequences of drought and water shortage, even outside of the dry season, because of Dak Mi 4 Hydropower Plant. The potential damage to the regional economy, crops and public health is enormous, he said, adding that the Committee of Flood and Storm Control will suggest that the authorities of Danang City sue both Dak Mi 4 Plant and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

The Danang People's Committee has expressed its agreement with Thang. The city may sue the ministry for violating regulations on flood control and the principles on management, protection and exploitation of water resources.

"The regulation assigned the People's Committee of Quang Nam Province to manage hydropower discharges during floods but not during times of water shortage. This responsibility should also be given to the authorities of Quang Nam Province and Danang City," Thang said.