VietNamNet Bridge – Household waste water and sewage has polluted a stretch of Hong (Red) River running through Lao Cai City in northern Lao Cai Province shortly after arriving in Viet Nam from China's Yunnan Province.

An official report from the provincial Natural Resources and Environment Department on Tuesday said water quality on a stretch of river near Coc Leu Bridge was only fit for irrigation.

The report indicated that Lao Cai City's untreated household waste-water and sewage was directly discharged into the river. It said this was the main reason for the stink that was upsetting local residents.

It added that organic substances discharged into the river were in a state of decomposition.

Inspectors have taken water sample from every five kilometres length of Red River as it enters Viet Nam, according to Nguyen Huu Duc, deputy director of the department.

Two weeks ago, local residents on both sides of the river complained to agencies about a stinking smell, thick red scum on the river surface and sand turning from white to black on the bottom of the river.

Pham Van Hung, a local resident said that although he closed his doors very tight, the fetid smell still blew into the house. It was so strong that sometimes he could not eat his meals.

Local fishermen also complained that they were catching few fish because the river water had changed colour and stank so much.

Bui Cach Tuyen, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, said the pollution was discovered before Tet and that was the first time it had occurred.

* NA group inspects polluted areas

More than 60 trade villages spontaneously set up through Bac Ninh Province have developed into alarming examples of environmental pollution.

A monitoring group formed by the National Assembly Standing Committee, led by chairman of the Science, Technology and Environment Committee Dang Vu Minh, yesterday, March 2, met with Bac Ninh provincial authorities.

The province has established a centre for environmental monitoring to build industrial zones around the villages and waste collecting sites free of charge.

The group said the province must enhance inspections of trade villages and raise awareness about environmental protection.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News