Environment

More than 10 years ago, Ho Chi Minh City invested over 8,600 billion VND to renovate the Nhiêu Lộc - Thị Nghè Canal, promising a green and refreshing space in the heart of the urban area. However, the current reality presents a heartbreaking image as the canal bears the brunt of a massive amount of waste. Despite the transformation of the banks, household waste such as plastic bottles, nylon bags, and styrofoam increasingly diminish the beauty and significance of the project. Notably, the lack of awareness among some individuals who directly dispose of garbage into the canal has escalated pollution, affecting not only the urban landscape but also the water environment and the health of the surrounding community.

Silicosis is one of the top 28 serious occupational diseases in Vietnam. Those afflicted with this disease often struggle to live past the age of 50. Despite numerous warnings and reminders of the dangers, serious incidents continue to occur. In recent times, five workers at Chau Tien Stone Powder Company have died due to prolonged exposure to silicosis-inducing dust in their workplace. This serves as a stark reminder of the need for rigorous monitoring of environmental quality.

As the largest and most developed city in the country, Ho Chi Minh City is facing an air pollution crisis with air quality indexes in many areas exceeding the red alert level, especially towards the end of the year. For several days now, from early morning until noon, Ho Chi Minh citizens can easily notice that the air seems to be shrouded in a thick layer of smog.