In its report on the master plan for clean water supply and ending the exploitation of underground water by 2030, the department said the city is on the verge of plunging below sea level, as it sinks two centimeters citywide per year, with some areas sinking 6-10 centimeters.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency attributed the cause of the city’s fast subsidence to frequent flash floods, rapid urbanization, and excessive exploitation of groundwater.

The city’s groundwater extraction over the past four years plunged to nearly 264,600 cubic meters per day and night from 716,600.

Of the amount, groundwater extracted by residential homes dropped by 235,700 cubic meters, industrial and processing zones by 28,800 cubic meters, and other areas by 145,220 cubic meters.

The department has instructed Saigon Water Corporation and Saigon Water Infrastructure Corporation to devise solutions to supply the city’s citizens and businesses while minimizing groundwater mining.

“The city aims to cut down on groundwater extraction to 100,000 cubic meters per day and night by 2025 and gradually end groundwater mining. In addition, it is raising awareness about the repercussions on groundwater extraction and lay out guidelines for locals on closing unused wells,” the Vietnam News Agency cited Nguyen Toan Thang, director of the department, as saying.

Source: Saigon Times