The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued a formal directive to the People’s Committees of Hanoi, Hai Phong, and the provinces of Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, and Ninh Binh, urging them to immediately implement emergency measures in anticipation of a significant spike in air pollution levels during this period.

Data from the national environmental monitoring network and hydrometeorological forecasts indicate that over the next 10 days, Northern Vietnam - especially Hanoi and surrounding regions - will face unfavorable weather conditions including inversion layers, calm winds, and dense fog. These factors sharply reduce the atmosphere’s capacity to disperse pollutants, leading to a likely surge in PM2.5 levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) could surpass 150, posing direct threats to public health and socioeconomic activity.

To mitigate the situation proactively, the ministry is calling for a range of urgent local responses.

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Illustrative photo: Pham Hai

Municipal and provincial authorities are required to direct sanitation units and contractors of transport infrastructure projects to increase the frequency of street sweeping and vacuuming. Specialized vehicles should be deployed to spray water along major roads and city gateways, particularly during the night and early morning hours (before 6 a.m.) to maximize effectiveness.

In addition, local governments must intensify inspections of construction sites, halting any projects that lack proper dust containment, as these contribute significantly to particulate matter pollution. Law enforcement is also tasked with strictly penalizing transport vehicles carrying construction materials or waste that are uncovered or scatter debris on the roads.

At large industrial facilities such as cement plants, thermal power stations, and steel mills, comprehensive inspections must be conducted to ensure exhaust treatment systems are operating correctly. Craft villages that engage in burning processes, especially those that recycle waste, must be monitored regularly and encouraged to scale back production on days when air quality is poor.

Local authorities are also instructed to clamp down on open burning, particularly the incineration of solid waste and straw - a common practice that exacerbates pollution under inversion conditions.

The Departments of Agriculture and Environment and of Health in affected areas must continuously update air quality data and issue public advisories. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory conditions, are advised to avoid outdoor activities when AQI levels spike and to wear masks when outdoors.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment plans to deploy UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and satellite imagery to identify open burning sites and high-emission zones. Local authorities are required to act immediately upon receiving such intelligence.

Moreover, the ministry will coordinate with other agencies to form intersectoral task forces to monitor, inspect, and publicly disclose violations of environmental regulations.

Vu Diep