Le Dinh Phong, chairman of the Thuan An Ward People's Committee, confirmed on October 28 that authorities had issued a notice ordering the closure of all cemeteries and burial grounds in the ward.
From October 31, new burials and the construction of tombs will be prohibited at these sites.
Residents requiring burial arrangements will be directed to cemeteries in the former Phu Xuan Commune, now part of Phu Ho Commune, and the former Phu Dien Commune, now part of Phu Vinh Commune.
Local authorities are encouraging cremation, for which government financial assistance is available. Funeral ceremonies must not exceed 72 hours.
Families and organisations arranging funerals must comply with environmental hygiene, cemetery management and public order regulations. Violations will be dealt with under the law.
Phong said local authorities had consulted residents, including community elders, respected figures and representatives of family clans, before announcing the decision.
Thuan An is the first ward in Hue to introduce such a measure.
The cemetery closures are intended to free up land for services, cultural infrastructure and coastal tourism development under the city's planning strategy.
Authorities also plan to gradually relocate graves and burial grounds scattered among residential areas.
Previously, Thuan An authorities worked with the city's project management agency to relocate more than 1,800 graves, clearing land for a multifunctional cultural park.
The nearly VND 118 billion (USD 4.5 million) Thuan An Coastal Infrastructure and Cultural Park project aims to improve urban facilities and public spaces along the coast.
The project is being developed near the road and bridge crossing the Thuan An estuary, which is described as central Vietnam's longest sea-crossing bridge.
