HCM City has waste treatment systems at all industrial parks, processing zones and high-tech parks. (Photo: tuoitre.vn) HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City was able to reach four of its 16 goals in pollution reduction as part of its 2016-2020 programme to reduce pollution, local officials said at a recent conference.
The programme’s goals include having waste treatment systems at all industrial parks, processing zones and high-tech parks, and treatment of at least 90 percent of industrial emissions by 2020.
Other goals call for treatment and recycling of 100 percent of solid waste and adherence to technology and hygiene standards at 100 percent of landfills.
Speaking at the conference, Nguyen Toan Thang, Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said the city would target completing 10 goals by 2020.
Even though the initial goal was to have 80 percent of urban waste water treated by 2020, the city expects to reach around 57 percent of the goal by that time.
The goal to reduce pollution in waterways by 90 percent is not feasible, according to Thang.
Nguyen Thanh Phong, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, said: “The pollution reduction programme is one of HCM City’s seven breakthrough programmes for the economy, society and technical infrastructure. The department and relevant agencies should provide comprehensive and effective measures to complete this programme.”
Pollution causes long-term effects, so there should be sustainable measures to reduce its impact, he said, adding that the economy should be developed in concert with environmental protection.-VNA
VNA
