Hydropower plants affect millions along the river

An estimated 2,1 million people are expected to be affected by the 144 hydropower plants in the mainstream near the Mekong River's mouth, according to experts at the Conference on Sustainable Development in the Mekong Delta Region to Adapt to Climate Change.

Analysts pointed out that the structures of hydropower plants at the source in China and near the mouth have severely influenced alluvium content around riverbanks. The total volume of alluvium along the river has diminished by 42%.

Meanwhile, as a result, erosion has occurred along the coast and the river ranks. Experts are concerned that this will also gravely damage the biodiversity around the river.