Up to six out of seven branches of the Serepok River in the Central Highlands Province of Dak Lak have become dry after water was blocked for a hydropower project.

Serepok River has become dry

The river runs through Ea Huar Commune and its neighbouring areas in Buon Don District, Dak Lak Province. The situation is seriously affecting the ecological environment and local people’s life.

Ama An, Head of Tri A Village, Krong Na Commune, said, the dry river has affected life of hundreds of local households who live on fishing activities. Furthermore, they also lack of water for daily life and irrigation. More than 10 hectares of rice fields are dying due to the water shortage.

Bay Nhanh Waterfall area on the river used to be known for breathtaking waterfalls but now visitors do not have the chance to admire them anymore. There is no more elephant riding or boat sailing services on the river, either.

Le Thi Thanh Ha, Director of Ban Don Tourism site, blamed the situation for the construction of Serepok 4A Hydropower Project invested by Buon Don Hydropower Joint Stock Company.

"Many visitors to the area are expressing their disappointment when seeing the dying tourist site," Ha said. "And our revenues have fallen by 80%."

On March 3, Tran Hieu, Vice Chairman of Dak Lak Province People’s Committee, said the situation is unacceptable, asking for the provincial Department of Industry and Trade’s explanation.

The department admitted that this is an urgent problem and it will soon carry out an investigation at the site.