HCM City may set up 157 stations to monitor air quality
VGP – The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ho Chi Minh City has submitted a natural resources and environment monitoring program to the Municipal People's Committee for consideration and approval.
Under the program, the southern metropolis targets to set up 157 stations to monitor air quality.
After merging with Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Binh Duong provinces, the city faces high environmental pressure as its population rises to around 14 million, with nearly 12.7 million transport vehicles and industrialization rate increases rapidly.
An air quality report shows that air pollution has evolved complicatedly in the 2021-2025 period, with the rate of fine particulate matter like PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and noise levels frequently exceed standards in central urban areas, major traffic intersections, and areas with concentrated industrial and construction activities.
The report identifies major emission sources: road vehicles, industrial production, construction, population activity, and air pollution from neighboring provinces of Dong Nai and Tay Ninh.
Water in Sai Gon and Dong Nai, canals and coastal areas are under pressure from untreated wastewater, aquaculture, maritime transport, and tourism, according to the report.
Given the backdrop, the program aims to provide trustworthy data for monitoring, issuing pollution warnings, and designing sustainable development policies for the city./.
