VietNamNet Bridge – Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai on Saturday inspected river systems in the south and west of Ha Noi with a view to initiating measures that will restore water flows and reduce pollution.

Workers dredge the Kim Nguu River in Ha Noi's Hoang Mai District. Three river systems in the city will be "upgraded" to ensure water supply and reduce pollution.

The inspection's results will be used by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the municipal People's Committee to plan actions to ensure sufficient water supply for daily use and manufacturing activities while improving the local ecological environment.

The south and west of Ha Noi have three river systems, Day, Tich and Nhue, that typically provide water for irrigation and daily use for more than 4.3 million residents in 20 districts and towns.

to facilitate establishment of the forums, support their operations, receive feedback and report them to the Government.

The Ministry of Finance has been asked to build a financial mechanism for the forums that will allow them operate with State budget together with funds raised from other legitimate parties.

Professor Dang Vu Minh, Chairman of the Viet Nam Union of Science and Technology Associations, said the forums will serve as channels for the country's scientists and intellectuals to contribute to nation-building.

The decision to establish debating forums for scientists and experts has been welcomed by the intellectual community with some reservations, the Nguoi Lao Dong (Labourer) Newspaper reported.

It said the concerns were mainly about the lack of a proper feedback mechanism.

"Complex socio-economic issues often produce many different reactions and opinions. While not all of them may be right, it is important that all of them are listened and responded to," the report quoted Minh as saying.

VNS