However, the operation of irrigation sub-departments currently faces many challenges, such as a limited number of assigned staff, insufficient capacity of some officials and workers in managing and operating irrigation systems, and the deterioration of most irrigation works due to their age.
More than 900 irrigation systems have been constructed nationwide, each serving an area of at least 200 hectares, including 122 medium and large-scale systems that serve over 2,000 hectares.
In 2024, the irrigation sector has proactively implemented urgent measures to effectively respond to heat waves, drought, water shortages, and saltwater intrusion. It has also ensured the proper operation of irrigation works to prevent flooding and waterlogging, and to safeguard the safety of irrigation structures, dams, and reservoirs affected by heavy rainfall, especially following Typhoon No. 3 (Yagi).
The estimated irrigated rice-growing area reached over 6.7 million hectares in 2024, including 2.855 million hectares in the winter-spring season, 3.183 million hectares in the summer-autumn season, and 700,000 hectares in the autumn-winter season. Additionally, efforts to prevent drought, water shortages, and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta have successfully protected more than 1.5 million hectares of rice fields and 180,000 hectares of fruit orchards while ensuring adequate domestic water supply for residents.
Despite significant contributions to agricultural production, irrigation sub-departments across the country still face numerous difficulties. The number of civil servants and public employees is insufficient for their assigned functions and tasks. Some areas lack the necessary workforce to manage and operate the irrigation systems effectively, while others have personnel with limited expertise.
Moreover, irrigation works are significantly affected by weather and natural disasters, leading to unexpected damages and major incidents such as motor fires, canal breaches, and landslides, which can occur at any time.
Most irrigation structures were built 30 to 40 years ago, requiring substantial financial resources for upgrading and repairs. However, funding from organisations and individuals remains very limited. Many irrigation systems lack approved operational procedures, or the existing ones are outdated, causing legal difficulties in managing these structures.
Due to financial constraints, there are insufficient funds to invest in repairs and upgrades, especially for large-scale tasks such as developing operational procedures, emergency response plans, safety inspections, and installing automatic meteorological and hydrological monitoring systems.
On the other hand, there is currently no comprehensive legal framework for contracting flood forecasting and warning services, adding greater challenge to decision-making in irrigation operations. Climate change has also intensified rainfall patterns, increasing the frequency and severity of floods, placing enormous pressure on irrigation infrastructures.
Furthermore, water pollution and violations within irrigation protection zones remain complex issues. Nationwide, a total of 62,299 cases of violations in irrigation protection zones have been recorded.
These violations include constructing permanent and temporary houses, warehouses, workshops, and livestock shelters; building fences, docks, and loading yards; stockpiling raw materials and equipment; excavating fishponds; and exploiting construction materials within protected areas. Many of these violations have not been thoroughly addressed.
Do Tien Bac, Director of the Hai Duong Irrigation Sub-Department, stated: “There are currently 1,245 pumping stations, 68 reservoirs, 10,465 kilometres of canals, and 840 kilometres of irrigation embankments serving agricultural production in the province. However, alongside socio-economic development, violations of dikes and irrigation works have been widespread and complicated.”
These violations include business operations, dockyards, and constructions on riverbanks, main canals, reservoirs, and internal irrigation structures; erecting fences, landfilling, and encroaching on infrastructure areas. Recently, the Hai Duong Provincial Party Committee, People’s Committee, relevant departments, and local authorities have strengthened management and enforcement, while reducing the number of violations to 309.
To enhance the operational capacity of irrigation sub-departments, the provincial Department of Irrigation Works Management and Construction suggests that localities focus on managing irrigation, dike planning, and disaster prevention, ensuring alignment with other sectoral plans.
Moreover, it is crucial to monitor weather patterns and water sources, inspect and assess the condition of irrigation structures, dikes, and embankments, and develop plans for water supply, disaster prevention, and infrastructure safety. Strengthening the protection and maintenance of irrigation works and dikes, as well as improving disaster prevention efforts, is essential.
Additionally, authorities should continue cataloguing and categorising violations in irrigation protection zones, clarifying their nature, severity, and causes, and proposing suitable solutions for higher authorities to consider. Priority should be given to allocating funds for investing in and expanding rural clean water supply projects and providing water solutions for households lacking access to centralised water supply facilities or those at risk of water shortages.
Public awareness campaigns should also be conducted to enhance the sense of responsibility among individuals, organisations, and authorities in environmental protection and water quality preservation in irrigation structures. Efficient and economical water use should be promoted, along with better management of wastewater discharge and waste collection within irrigation protection zones.
