National action plan on air quality management approved

The Prime Minister has recently approved the national action plan on the management of air quality by 2020 with a vision extending to 2025, which aims to control sources of emissions, improve the air environment, and ensure a healthy environment for all people.

Air pollution in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)

Under the plan, dust, sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrite (NOx) arising from cement production facilities, electricity and chemical production, in addition to fertiliser and petroleum production, should be reduced by 20% before 2020.

At the same time, these agents arising from other production facilities and transport vehicles are expected to be cut down by 10%.

The mission will include activities such as completion of legal documents and technical guidelines relating to air quality management; strengthening the organisation of air quality management as well as preventive measures; and minimising emissions.

By 2020, production units which produce excessive emissions will be required to have automatic air monitoring systems.

The plan also includes the completion of the financial mechanism and diversifying investment sources, strengthening prevention and minimization of emissions; completing financial mechanisms and diversifying investment sources; enhancing international cooperation on science and technology; intensifying investigation and inspection and monitoring on legal compliance on air environment protection; and enhancing publicity campaigns, education and raising awareness on pollution and air quality.

(Source: NDO)