VietNamNet Bridge – A leader of northern Quang Ninh province has asked ministries and central agencies to halt the construction of new thermoelectric and cement plants near the province’s urban and populous areas, especially Ha Long and Bai Tu Long Bays, for environmental protection.

Ha Long Bay – File photo

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Dang Huy Hau made the proposal while working with Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bui Cach Tuyen on August 27.

He cited that coal mining for power and cement production and shipbuilding activities as reasons behind the environmental pollution in the province.

Investors should not be allowed to zone off areas for new factories or increase the capacity of existing ones at a minimum distance of 15 kilometres from Ha Long Bay’s buffer zone boundary and its contiguous urban areas including Ha Long and Cam Pha cities, and Van Don and Hoanh Bo districts.

Local authorities warned to displace all cement factories far from the bays and asked investors to take measures to ease environmental population.

They also called on ministries and central agencies to allow only hi-tech and environmentally friendly projects to be operational in the province.

Ha Long Bay, twice recognised by UNESCO as a world natural heritage, is one of the must-see destinations whenever visitors come to Quang Ninh as it boasts rich biodiversity along with great historical and cultural values.

Meanwhile, Bai Tu Long Bay is endowed with long and clean sandy beaches, clear water, numerous historical sites and untouched beauty. It has been labelled one of northeast Vietnam’s wonders of nature.

VNA/VNN