This action comes amid worsening air quality trends in the city, with dangerous pollution levels recorded at various times throughout the year.

According to a report by the Department of Agriculture and Environment, long-term monitoring has revealed a recurring pattern: from October to March annually, levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) rise significantly, posing a serious public health threat.

City officials have identified this as a critical issue that directly impacts public health. The directive requires relevant departments, agencies, and local authorities to take decisive, coordinated action to control emission sources and proactively mitigate air pollution.

The city's plan focuses on two main priorities: controlling emissions and strengthening environmental monitoring and public warning systems.

For industrial sources, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the municipal police, export processing zone and industrial park management boards, and the Saigon Hi-Tech Park authority are tasked with conducting comprehensive inspections. They are to carry out sudden checks and enforce strict penalties on major air polluters, especially in sectors like cement, thermal power, and steel manufacturing.

In terms of emissions from construction and transportation, the Department of Construction is responsible for strict oversight. Projects and vehicles transporting construction materials must be properly covered to prevent spillage and dust. The directive mandates 100% compliance from project developers with dust-reduction measures, and calls for temporary suspension of operations at repeatedly non-compliant sites.

Regarding emissions from agricultural activities and spontaneous waste burning, local ward and commune authorities must intensify supervision to eliminate illegal burning of domestic waste and agricultural byproducts like rice straw. The city encourages circular economy models for waste collection and reuse.

To improve transparency and public response, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has been instructed to maintain the stable operation of all air quality monitoring stations. It must publish daily Air Quality Index (AQI) readings through mass media, official websites, and mobile apps to ensure easy access for the public.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health is tasked with leading awareness campaigns and providing public guidance on how to protect health during periods of severe pollution.

All agencies and localities must submit reports on their implementation progress to the Department of Agriculture and Environment by November 10. These will be compiled and forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

Quoc Ngoc