VietNamNet Bridge – HCM City authorities have proposed amending the country's environmental law to include stricter enforcement of polluting factories and companies.

Wastewater from a production establishment runs into Tham Luong Canal, Le Trong Tan Street, Tan Phu, HCM City (Photo: SGGP)

The city said that it had submitted a draft legal document to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the fire police that includes proposals related to environmental protection, fire-fighting and prevention.

The proposed amendment to the environmental law addresses the management of companies that commit violations and pose a high risk of fire and explosions in residential areas.

As part of the effort to remove polluting factories, the city is preparing land lots that will be available this month.

Information about the environmental protection law will also continue to be disseminated to individuals, families and organisations.

The city targets removing 24 polluting companies in District 12 to the Le Minh Xuan 3 Industrial Park in Binh Chanh District next year.

HCM City began removing polluting companies in 2002, but has achieved limited results due to the pace of urbanisation.

Several new residential areas have already been built in areas where some of the polluting factories are located.

As of the end of July, nearly 700 polluting companies and six companies classified as serious polluters have yet to be removed to outlying areas, according to the city's Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

VNS