A large spring in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau is dying from serious pollution caused by edible canna noodles production plants operating in the area.
The Nam De Spring used to supply water for hundreds of people in Binh Lu Commune, Tam Duong District. However, it has recently been polluted by wastewater coming from a rising number of cana noodles production plants in the area.
According to local people, there are currently 10 such plants operating in Tam Duong with each processing over 10 tonnes of cana daily and dumping waste and wastewater right into surrounding areas.
The rising amount of waste and wastewater has flowed into the nearby canals, ponds and Nam De Spring, causing a bad odour. Although local people have reported the problems to local authorities, they have not been properly dealt with.
"The dying spring has badly affected our lives," a local said. "We now no longer go swimming or fishing, or take its water for watering our gardens, fields or for daily uses."