The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has just issued the Action Plan for controlling pollution and managing air quality in the period 2026 - 2030, with a vision to 2045. In which, it is noteworthy to strictly control major sources of emissions and strongly promote green transportation solutions.
Ho Chi Minh City requires strict control of 100% of major emissions in high-risk polluting industries such as cement, thermal power, and steelmaking. The city also manages emissions for all vehicles according to national standard roadmaps. By 2030, the city strives for all public transport vehicles to use clean or environmentally friendly energy.
These goals must be closely linked to the major orientation of urban transport transformation. Recently, Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Tran Luu Quang raised the issue of researching free buses as a breakthrough solution to pull people out of personal vehicles. When bus travel costs are reduced to the minimum level, combined with cleaner vehicles and more convenient networks, the ability to reduce emissions from transportation will become clearer.
In the field of construction and urban areas, construction sites must strictly implement covering, car washing and dust control measures. All construction waste is managed according to regulations. The city also aims to end the situation of burning garbage and agricultural by-products outdoors in violation of regulations. At the same time, promote the reuse of 100% organic by-products.
Ho Chi Minh City will also gradually establish low emission zones, expand the multi-layer green tree system and invest in modern air monitoring infrastructure. In situations of serious pollution exceeding the hazardous threshold for many consecutive days, an emergency communication mechanism will be activated to warn people. The goal is to improve air quality by 2045.
The plan sets a target for the average PM2.5 fine dust concentration to gradually decrease over time. The percentage of days with average or higher air quality is maintained from 75 - 80%. By 2045, Ho Chi Minh City aims to maintain the AQI index below 100.
The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee assigned the Department of Agriculture and Environment to be the standing agency, presiding over the implementation of the plan. Departments, branches and localities are responsible for implementing according to their functions, ensuring that the goals of green cities and sustainable development are realized.
