VietNamNet Bridge – With five hydro-power projects that seriously harm the Song Thanh nature reserve already, Quang Nam province has refused four other projects for problems with investment and feasibility.

A big hydropower plant which is being built in the upstreams of Thu Bon river.

Quang Nam Vice-Chairman Dinh Van Thu argued that the five projects located inside the Song Thanh nature reserve must be eliminated to protect the environment and the reserve.

Meanwhile, the four others – A Vuong 2, Are, Tra Leng 1 and Tra Leng 2 – have been halted for ineffective investment and infeasibility.

Thu said that the province would further revoke more hydropower projects in the near future.

Quang Nam has also asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to adjust procedures for the A Vuong hydro-power plant’s reservoir and issue operational procedures for the reservoir system on the Vu Gia – Thu Bon rivers to prevent possible disasters in downstream areas.

There are around 110 hydropower projects in the upper reaches of the Vu Gia – Thu Bon rivers, including 8 large projects. Six have been put into operation. Over 2000 ha of virgin forest was chopped down for these projects.

Vu Trung