Describe any five steps taken by the French for the development of the ‘Mekong Delta Region’. (CBSE 2015)

Steps were taken by the French:

1. The French made an elaborate system of irrigation to drain the lands of Mekong delta. The canals and earthworks were built with forced labour mostly.

2. The rice cultivation increased dramatically and two-thirds of the production was exported to the international market.

3. Infrastructural projects were introduced to improvement movement of goods and military garrisons and for better administrative control.

4. A trans-Indo-China rail was begun to connect northern parts of Vietnam with southern parts of China. The final link was in Yunan.

5. A second line was also built through Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh linking Vietnam and Siam.

Explanation: French built all the irrigation technology only for its profit. The infrastructural project also aimed at the French people’s convenience.