The construction of hydraulic works in northern Vietnam between 1954-1975

Abstract

After peace was restored in the North (1954), the maintenance and development of hydraulic systems were in urgent need due to their destruction during the anti-French War. With determination, these works returned to function after a short preparation time. New pump stations were built; the most notable was Bac-Hung-Hai. From 1965, because of the American War of destruction in the North, hydraulic construction was severely impacted. New building projects were suspended, and constructing tasks were focused on repairing and maintaining hydraulic works destroyed by US bombs and completing small canal networks that transport water to ricefields. The result was millions of hectares of watered rice fields to sustain rice production in the North. Agricultural development laid the foundation for the North to be the rear base for the Southern front.