The Hanoi People's Committee has issued a plan to strengthen and intensify measures to control and respond to air pollution across the capital.
The plan focuses on major sources of emissions, particularly dust from construction and material transport, road dust, the burning of rice straw and agricultural by-products, and the improper burning of rubbish and other waste. It also targets emissions from traffic, industry and other sources.
Hanoi has recorded many days of severe air pollution (Photo: Manh Quan).
The city will use monitoring data, meteorological forecasts and air quality predictions to issue early warnings and introduce preventive measures. Forecasts will be updated regularly in line with short-term predictions and actual monitoring results.
Hanoi has assigned the Department of Agriculture and Environment to coordinate technical work with meteorological and hydrological agencies and specialist units under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to receive and operate forecasting systems for the city.
When signs of potential pollution emerge, five to seven days in advance, the department will issue preliminary assessments to agencies and organisations across Hanoi and share information through mass media. It will also initiate reviews of major emission sources.
The city has set out further deadlines as pollution risks approach. Between 48 and 72 hours beforehand, authorities must update the likely affected areas and the severity of the risk. Within 24 hours, they must refine forecasts, adjust the areas covered by warnings and notify affected groups directly.
The Department of Agriculture and Environment will lead inspections of industrial emission sources, craft villages, facilities involving combustion processes and waste treatment sites. When pollution is forecast, authorities will step up checks on high-risk facilities and require violations to be addressed immediately.
The Department of Construction will work with city police to monitor vehicle emissions and organise traffic to reduce congestion at pollution hotspots.
Hanoi has also directed commune- and ward-level authorities to control the burning of fuels and waste in residential areas and craft villages.
The Department of Science and Technology will lead research and propose new technologies and measures to control and reduce air pollution.