Laos issues new decree on dams aimed at minimising harm

A view of the Mekong river bordering Thailand and Laos is seen from the Thai side in Nong Khai, Thailand, October 29, 2019. Picture taken October 29, 2019. - Reuters

BANGKOK, Feb 27 (Reuters): The government of Laos issued new guidelines for managing hydropower dams aimed at minimising water shortages and flooding, state media ha reported, amid debate on how its hydropower boom has altered the vital Mekong River.

The new decree effective March 4 requires all hydropower operators to notify authorities whenever dam reservoirs reach maximum storage or when river levels downstream fall to a critical level, the Vientiane Times reported. "Effective management of water resources and rivers, especially those used by hydropower plants, is seen as crucial as Laos strives to build more dams and become an important exporter of electricity," the article said.