Gyeongnam Province Conditionally Agrees to Nakdong River Integrated Water Management Plan

On the 24th, Nakdong River Basin Water Management Committee Finalizes Review and Resolution on Integrated Water Management Plan for Nakdong River

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, attended the 6th plenary meeting of the Nakdong River Basin Water Management Committee (Nakdong River Basin Committee) held at the government Sejong Complex on the 24th to review and decide on the integrated water management plan for the Nakdong River.

The meeting was held with the attendance of Minister Han Jeong-ae of the Ministry of Environment, governors of five Yeongnam region provinces and cities including Gyeongnam, Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, and Gyeongbuk, as well as members of the Nakdong River Basin Committee.

The integrated water management plan for the Nakdong River prepared by the Ministry of Environment last year includes measures to improve the water quality of the main stream of the Nakdong River, diversification of water intake sources, and coexistence plans for areas affected by the development of water intake sources.

Governor Kim said at the meeting, "The main stream of the Nakdong River is experiencing not only the so-called 'green algae latte' phenomenon but also about 30 water pollution accidents every year, causing anxiety and concern among the residents of Gyeongnam regarding their drinking water."

He continued, "I conditionally agree to the integrated water management plan for the Nakdong River," but added, "However, there are essential conditions that must be met for this plan to be implemented."

As prerequisites, Governor Kim requested prioritizing the improvement of water quality in the main stream of the Nakdong River, minimizing damage to local residents and providing sufficient compensation in unavoidable cases, making efforts to listen to local residents' opinions, and promising to actively reflect additional coexistence measures if requested during the consultation process.

Additionally, he requested the prompt completion of compensation for flood damage last year, including in the Hapcheon area, strengthening communication by the Ministry of Environment regarding environmental groups' concerns, and actively responding to demands for opening the weirs.

The Ministry of Environment and the five provincial and city governors promised to actively cooperate for the successful implementation of the integrated water management plan for the Nakdong River and concluded the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment plans to continue communication with local residents by continuously discussing development plans for water intake areas such as Changnyeong and Hapcheon.