The move came as National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man signed Resolution No. 247/2025, which seeks to improve the effectiveness of environmental policy enforcement nationwide.

No economic growth at the expense of the environment

The resolution highlights persistent environmental pollution in several areas, with periods of severe air quality decline - especially due to fine dust (PM2.5) in large cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

It also notes that the quality of water in urban rivers remains poor, particularly in areas near dense populations, industrial facilities, and traditional craft villages.

Current infrastructure for environmental protection, including waste collection and treatment, is outdated and insufficient. Only about 18% of urban wastewater is currently treated. While landfill use has dropped, direct burial still accounts for nearly 59% of domestic waste disposal.

As of now, 38 out of 435 facilities causing serious pollution - mainly landfills - have yet to be fully remediated.

Urgent overhaul required

The National Assembly has directed the government to reform environmental policy thinking, and implement institutional changes with urgency and effectiveness.

By 2026, all environmental and climate-related strategies and plans must be reviewed and adjusted if needed to create new, sustainable development spaces.

Special attention is to be paid to regions highly sensitive to climate change and natural disasters - such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, the Mekong Delta, and coastal areas.

The resolution calls for economic growth driven by natural harmony and sustainability - stressing that development must not come at the cost of the environment.

From dirty rivers to clean air: the 2045 vision

Authorities are now tasked with enforcing the National Action Plan for Air Quality Management and Pollution Control (2025–2030), with a long-term vision extending to 2045.

Immediate actions must focus on improving air quality in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The resolution also mandates full assessments of the environmental carrying capacity of interprovincial rivers, and management plans for their protection. Priority rivers for cleanup include the Ngu Huyen Khe, To Lich, and the Bac Hung Hai irrigation system.

Out with polluting vehicles

Looking ahead to 2030, the National Assembly emphasized early detection and prevention of pollution risks.

Polluting industrial clusters and traditional craft villages - especially those within residential areas - must be relocated to properly zoned sites.

The government and local authorities are instructed to assess and rehabilitate areas with severe soil contamination, particularly those affected by pesticides, chemical residues, and war-time toxic waste.

Water treatment in cities must be ramped up, with a goal of collecting and treating 70% of wastewater in top-tier urban areas by 2030.

For urban transportation, the resolution is clear:

“All motor vehicle emissions must be strictly controlled. Polluting vehicles must be restricted based on environmental zoning. A green transition roadmap must be implemented, backed by infrastructure investment and supportive policies for public acceptance. Vehicles that fail emission standards must be phased out.”

Bold PM2.5 targets for 2030

By 2030, Hanoi must reduce its annual average PM2.5 levels by 20% compared to 2024. Surrounding provinces - Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, and Ninh Binh - must cut PM2.5 by at least 10%.

In Ho Chi Minh City and other major cities, air quality must be actively monitored to prevent further deterioration.

Tran Thuong