Hanoi relocates many polluting production facilities out of the inner city
Voters in Noi Bai, Trung Gia, Vinh Tuy, Lang, Tay Tuu wards proposed that Hanoi City urgently relocate production facilities and polluting craft villages out of the inner city area.
In addition, voters proposed to strengthen inspection and strictly handle violations such as burning garbage, vehicles carrying soil and sand without covering causing dust to spread into the environment.
Answering this issue, the Hanoi People's Committee said that regarding the relocation of polluting production facilities and craft villages out of the inner city, implementing Resolution No. 487/NQ-HDND dated November 26, 2025 of the Hanoi People's Council on promulgating the List of relocation of industrial production facilities, medical facilities, higher education institutions, vocational education institutions and headquarters of agencies and units in the central urban area that are not in accordance with the General Plan of the Capital, under the decision-making authority of the Hanoi People's Council (phase 1).
At the same time, implementing the direction of the City Party Committee and Hanoi City People's Committee on handling environmental pollution bottlenecks in the area.
Regarding the relocation of production facilities in the inner city, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has issued Document No. 2408/SNNMT-QLMT dated March 6, 2026 on reviewing industrial production facilities on the list proposed for relocation, sent to 53 facilities in Hanoi City, requesting reports before March 30, 2026.
The Department has also issued Decision No. 578/QD-SNNMT dated March 13, 2026 on inspecting the compliance with the law on environmental protection and land management of establishments.
From March 20 to March 23, 2026, the inspection team conducted inspections at 7 establishments; including requesting 2/7 establishments to stop operating, urgently complete relocation and report to the Department of Agriculture and Environment for summarization.
Hanoi needs a fast, methodical, and thorough implementation roadmap
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi An - Director of the Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Community Development - said that the relocation of factories out of the inner city has been specifically regulated since 2015 with Decision No. 130 of the Prime Minister. However, to date, there are still many factories and enterprises that have not implemented it.
Therefore, after the resolution on relocating industrial production facilities, medical facilities, educational institutions and headquarters of agencies and units in the central city is approved by the People's Council, Hanoi needs to have a roadmap for quick, methodical, and thorough implementation, creating conditions for businesses to conveniently relocate factories and enterprises out of the inner city, how to harmonize the interests of both the city and businesses.
In case any enterprise intentionally procrastinates, it is necessary to strictly handle it according to the provisions of law. At the same time, there must be decisive sanctions against the land fund after relocation: The State must recover it, not allowing units holding land and then joint ventures and associations to delay relocation," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi An said.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi An, Hanoi is currently facing serious air pollution from industrial activities that generate large amounts of CO2 and fine dust emissions as well as potential toxic substances such as SO2, NOx and heavy metals.
To reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life for people in the Hanoi capital area, in addition to promoting the relocation of industrial plants, it is necessary to implement a number of synchronous solutions such as investing in clean technology, strengthening monitoring and inspection as well as propaganda, developing green spaces and raising community awareness.
Businesses need to be encouraged to innovate production lines, apply less emission-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. This not only helps reduce emissions but also increases production efficiency and ensures sustainable development.
