Houseboats and fishing boats are anchored on the Son La Hydropower Reservoir, where the water level has risen again after a period of drying up. Photo: Truong Son

After many weeks of low water levels in the Son La Hydropower Reservoir due to the intense heat, the water level has now risen again. The lives of people living along the lake have gradually stabilized, and tourism, aquaculture and seafood exploitation activities have also recovered.

In early July, Lao Dong Newspaper reporters were present in Quynh Nhai commune (Son La province) - considered the largest lake tourism and fish cage farming center in the region.

Records show that the lake water is clear and the water level is rising every day. The marinas and tourist attractions have become bustling again, with boats bustling to take visitors to explore the poetic natural landscape of the Son La Hydroelectric Reservoir.

Son La Hydropower Dam, water level in the reservoir is rising strongly again in early July. Photo: Truong Son

Mr. La Van Phong - Director of Quynh Nhai Travel Joint Stock Company - shared: "Since the beginning of June, the water level in the lake has been deeply depleted, at times only at the 177m level, close to the dead water level (level 175.03m). The deep water level has left the hills bare in the middle of the stream, and the Pa Uon bridge pillars are exposed.

Waterway traffic and tourism activities have been severely affected. However, in just over a week, the water has started to rise sharply, tourists are returning, especially on weekends, the number of customers booking tours to explore Uy Phong Bay is gradually increasing.

Fish cages on the lake are back in operation when the water level rises, making it easier for people to care for and harvest fish. Photo: Truong Son

Not only tourism, fishing and aquaculture activities are also recovering positively.

Mr. Quàng Văn Hợp - a member of the Liếp Tè Aquaculture and General Services Cooperative - said: “My family has 15 fish cages. Before, when the water receded, we had to pull the rafts far from shore to avoid the heat and ensure depth for the fish to grow. In recent days, the water has risen rapidly, so I have moved the fish rafts back to their old location for convenient care and food transportation. The fish are growing steadily again, I am very happy.”

People in Quynh Nhai commune (Son La) sell fresh fish caught from the hydroelectric reservoir. Photo: Truong Son

In Xu Xam village (Chieng Lao commune), Mr. Lo Van Ngam - a fisherman who has been fishing for shrimp on the lake for many years - said: "When the water level is low, there are very few shrimps and fish. Now that the water level is high, I can catch 5-7kg of shrimps of all kinds every day. Big shrimps are bought by traders at 100,000 VND/kg. People around the lake are all excited because when the water level rises, there are many fish and shrimps again."

As of July 4, according to information from Son La Hydropower Plant, the lake water level has reached 197m - still lower than the normal water level (215m), but enough to basically restore economic and people's activities.

Although the lake bed still shows signs of its dry period - alluvial land and old stone steps exposed along the shore - the water surface has expanded significantly. Along the lake, groups of small boats of people fishing, pulling nets, and harvesting shrimp and fish can be seen.

People harvest fish in cages on the Son La Hydropower Reservoir. Photo: Truong Son

Ms. Luong Hoang Trang - a tourist from To Hieu ward (Son La city) - shared: "When I heard that the lake water level had risen again, I took the opportunity to travel with my family. I really like Uy Phong bay because the water is clear, peaceful and the landscape is very poetic. Hopefully in the coming time, the lake water level will continue to stabilize so that tourism can develop further."

Fishermen cast nets to catch shrimp and fish on the lake bed – a traditional livelihood that recovers strongly when the water level rises. Photo: Truong Son

Son La Hydropower Reservoir plays an important role not only in terms of hydropower but also as the main source of livelihood for thousands of households living along the lake. When the water level rises, people’s livelihoods are also improved – cage fish farming is favorable, shrimp and fish catching is flourishing, eco-tourism and accommodation, transportation, food and beverage services… are all bustling again.

People living along the lake are expecting that, with favorable weather and support from local authorities, economic and tourism activities on the surface of the Son La Hydropower Reservoir will become increasingly bustling, creating new growth momentum for this large lake.