VietNamNet Bridge - After two years carrying out the program to reduce environmental pollution in canals and rivers in HCM City, the water of Saigon River and many canals as Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe, Ba Bo ... has been improved but they are in danger of being polluted again.

According to Director of HCM City Department of Natural Resources and Environment – Mr. Dao Anh Kiet, thanks to the program, the water source in some canals has been improved.

In the Saigon - Dong Nai River, which provides water for water plants, the indicators of organic pollution fell by about 25 percent and the nutrient pollution norms are at safe level.

Meanwhile, Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe, which was dubbed "the dirtiest canal in Saigon," has no longer had odor and has fish again. Pollution levels decreased significantly compared to the past. Water in the canals of Tau Hu - Ben Nghe, Doi - Te and Tan Hoa - Lo Gom has also been improved.

Especially in suburban areas, water quality of Ba Bo Canal has the nutrient pollution reduced by 60 percent. The canal has become blue and clean again.

HCM City Vice Chairman Nguyen Huu Tin said the city invested hundreds of millions of dollars to improve the environment in canals and rivers and the initial results are encouraging. However, the city’s canals and rivers are at risk of contamination again because of the poor consciousness of the people.

"I checked in many places and found that even the couch and shoes that people also put down to the drain. If they keep doing like that, no money is enough to improve the environment," Tin said.

The vice president suggested relevant agencies to strengthen communication to enhance awareness of people to contribute to reducing environmental pollution in the area.

Le Ha