Hanoi (VNA) – The 15th National Assembly plans to dedicate the entire day on October 28 to discussing a supervisory report and a draft resolution evaluating the enforcement of policies and laws related to environmental protection since the Law on Environmental Protection 2020 came into effect.
The discussion, taking place during the ongoing 10th session in Hanoi, is broadcast live on national television and radio.
The report highlighted significant progress in enforcing environmental policies and laws since 2020, contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable socio-economic development, national defence and security, diplomacy, social welfare, and global integration goals.
The Government, the Prime Minister, ministries and local authorities have issued over 500 guiding documents to implement the law, effectively institutionalising the Party and State’s policies on environmental protection and climate change adaptation. Notable progress has been made in environmental protection, with several targets set in the 13th National Party Congress’s Resolution either met or surpassed. Major sources of pollution are now under tighter control, and no major environmental incidents have been reported in recent years.
Eco-friendly industrial parks, craft villages, and sustainable urban and rural development models have emerged, while solid waste management has improved, with higher rates of collection and treatment each year.
Between 2022 and 2024, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment inspected 812 sites, imposing fines on 348 violators totaling 96.7 billion VND (approximately 3.71 million USD). Local authorities handled 14,863 violations, collecting 643 billion VND in fines. The State Audit Office conducted 12 audits, identifying shortcomings in environmental management. Meanwhile, the environmental police initiated investigations, leading to proceedings against 2,336 cases involving 2,935 individuals.
However, the supervisory team also noted ongoing challenges. Pollution remains a significant issue, particularly urban fine dust and air quality. Environmental infrastructure, especially for solid waste and wastewater collection and treatment, is still outdated and insufficient./.
