Myth and realities about dams and droughts

Much has been written about the building of hydropower dams in the upper reaches of the Mekong River, especially Lancang River in China, and their role in causing droughts in the Mekong delta region in Vietnam. Many environmental and social activists claim Chinese dams have reduced the water flowing in the delta, seriously harming rice cultivation and allowing saltwater to flow into the delta.

Let us objectively consider the facts and validity of such claims.

Drought indeed dealt a serious blow to Vietnam's agriculture and forestry sector, and seafood industry in the delta region last year. Official data show the growth rate in these sectors was only 1.36 percent last year, the lowest since 2011. The drought also had major economic, social and environmental impacts as it severely affected Vietnam's coffee, rice and shrimp production and exports.