Conference Unveils Regional Water Struggles Amid Salinity Surge
The conference in Đồng Tháp on April 9 highlighted the urgent need to address water scarcity as salinity levels rise. Experts noted that while northern areas of the province benefit from seasonal flooding, eastern regions like Gò Công face severe drought and saltwater intrusion. This imbalance threatens both agricultural production and daily life, with officials warning that the situation is shifting from stability to instability.
The event brought together specialists to outline strategies for securing water supplies. Lê Hà Luân, head of the province’s Agriculture and Environment Department, emphasized that despite being a headwater region for the Mekong, Đồng Tháp now faces localized water inequality. His remarks underscored the need for immediate action as salinity intrusion continues to expand.
Durian at Risk: Experts Warn of Crop Collapse from Salinity
Agricultural experts warned that durian, a key crop in the region, is particularly vulnerable to even minor salinity spikes. Trần Văn Hưng, deputy director of the Southern Hydrology and Meteorology Center, cited alarming data: saltwater intrusion has advanced by 1–1.5 months earlier than historical norms, with projections of peak salinity hitting as early as March 2026. This threatens not only durian but also other crops, risking the collapse of local farming livelihoods.
The Institute of Southern Fruit Trees urged farmers to adopt resilient grafting techniques and IoT-based monitoring systems. For instance, grafts of mango and citrus have shown tolerance to salinity levels up to 13‰ and 8‰, respectively. Real-time sensors on smartphones could alert farmers to sudden salinity spikes, preventing catastrophic losses.
Infrastructure and Regional Cooperation as Key to Survival
Experts proposed bold engineering solutions to combat salinity. The Southern Water Planning Institute suggested constructing a massive syphon system to divert freshwater under the Chợ Gạo canal, which currently divides Gò Công. Upgrading the Xuân Hòa pumping station to handle 15 cubic meters per second of water would also enhance flood control during dry seasons.
However, these projects require coordinated regional efforts. Officials stressed that the Mekong Delta must function as a unified water system, with structures like the Hàm Luông and Vàm Cỏ weirs acting as critical control points. Nguyễn Phước Thiện, deputy chairman of Đồng Tháp’s People’s Committee, emphasized shifting from reactive salinity management to proactive water governance, ensuring no household lacks access to clean water during droughts.
Conclusion
The crisis in Đồng Tháp underscores the fragile balance between water security and agricultural survival. As salinity intrusion accelerates, the province’s ability to adapt through innovation and regional collaboration will determine its resilience. The path forward hinges on transforming water management from a reactive measure to a strategic priority for the entire Mekong Delta.
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