Based on inheriting the core values of the current Capital Law, the draft Capital Law (amended) has established a more unified and stronger legal framework on planning and environmental protection.
The most important highlight is the establishment of the Capital's Master Plan to become the highest legal basis for managing all construction investment activities or organizing development space. Instead of relying on multi-layered approval procedures as before, this Draft gives the City government proactive authority in approving or adjusting planning and deciding on specific architectural indicators.
This transparent decentralization is the key for Hanoi to confidently implement large-scale environmental and infrastructure projects without being constrained by administrative bottlenecks.
The draft revised Capital Law continues to affirm Hanoi's special power when allowing the application of strict emission standards and administrative sanctions higher than the national average. This legal corridor is vital in the face of record population pressure, helping the city to be more proactive in preventing environmental violations.
Reality shows that the current Capital Law has brought new vitality to Hanoi's environment with some typical examples such as the To Lich River renovation project, simultaneous renovation of green spaces connecting communities...
The image of the black water at the To Lich River is gradually being replaced by a fresher landscape thanks to a synchronous wastewater collection and clean water supply system. Current mechanisms have also created a new breath of life in returning and completing green spaces for the community through the policy of synchronously renovating parks and public spaces in an open direction.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi An (Director of the Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Community Development), the current Capital Law has brought many initial breakthroughs and contributed to significantly changing the face of the Capital's environment. Therefore, she has high hopes that this draft will continue to create a strong change in management thinking from passive handling to active environmental creation.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi An also affirmed that the Draft revised Capital Law is the golden key for the city to take stronger action against environmental violations. The Draft has had timely additions to remove difficulties for key projects.
However, for the law to be truly effective, the city government needs to continue to be patient, maintain the spirit of strict handling, without exceptions, without forbidden zones. Going along with that is the highest political determination and the consensus of the people.
In the content of the Draft, the work of environmental protection of the Capital and the Capital Region is implemented according to the principles of sustainable development, green economy, circular economy, strengthening inter-regional coordination, emission control, waste management, development of ecological industrial parks and establishing the Capital Region Environmental Coordination Center to ensure the effectiveness of inter-provincial and inter-regional environmental management.
Regarding emission control, Mr. Truong Manh Tuan (Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) said that the work of controlling and assessing emissions sources will be a key foundation in the management of the Capital's environmental quality. He emphasized that the implementation needs to be carried out regularly and continuously to create an updated database, thereby providing a scientific basis for policy planning and adjustment instead of just being temporary.
The valuable experiences from the practice of implementing the Capital Law in the past time will be a solid basis for the city to continue to improve the amended policies and prioritize stronger investment in green infrastructure.
Environmental sanitation policies are no longer dry words on legal documents but have gradually become vivid through the image of clean streets and rivers gradually becoming green again.
The aspiration for a green, civilized and modern Capital is gradually becoming a reality when the revised Capital Law will be considered a "sacred sword" for Hanoi to develop quickly and sustainably. This is an important preparation step for the Capital to well perform its role and pioneering mission in the new development stage of the country.
