Vietnam's major cities urged to set up low-emission zones

HANOI, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has asked local authorities to accelerate the establishment of low-emission zones in major cities, Vietnam News Agency reported Wednesday.

The measure is part of efforts to prevent and curb air pollution, with a focus on controlling emission sources, the report said.

All Vietnamese localities have been told to carry out unannounced inspections and strictly handle facilities with large emissions, such as cement, thermal power and steel plants.

Once the Air Quality Index exceeds 300, a hazardous level, emergency measures should be implemented immediately to reduce pollution, the ministry said.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which record the highest and most frequent levels of air pollution, have been asked to clean up inner-city rivers, canals and streams, and to relocate polluting production facilities out of residential areas and urban centers. Enditem