Top legislator orders measures to tackle environmental pollution

She summarized the questions raised for Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha, which focused on tackling environmental pollution in rural areas, industrial parks and clusters, and craft villages as well as solid waste treatment, river pollution, and Formosa-caused marine environmental incident in central Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue provinces.

The Minister was also grilled about the management of land, natural resources and mining activities, the prevention of environmental pollution from hydropower projects, and the climate change adaptation, especially saltwater intrusion and drought.

The top legislator asked the Minister to monitor the environmental pollutants and address the consequences caused by the Formosa project to stabilise life of inhabitants in the affected areas.

She urged to ministry to tighten management of natural resources and mining activities, particularly the exploitation of river sand and soil; enact adaptive measures for climate change, salinity and drought; and strengthen management in and clarify responsibilities of separate sectors for evaluating, licensing, inspecting and handling violations in the field.

While taking the floor to field legislators’ questions, Minister Tran Hong Ha said the harmonious coordination between investment licensing and State management agencies and enhanced capacity of officials, especially at district and commune levels, are crucial to protecting the environment and scrutinize the efficiency of investment projects.

Regarding the land management queries, the Minister said it is necessary to complete the granting of certificates for land-use rights and ownership of houses.

He said the country has granted such certificates to over 95 percent of land areas.

However, the granting of the remainder is complicated, he admitted, noting that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will work with all-level authorities to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of the landlords.

This will help improve the land management work, reduce complaints and develop real estate market, he explained.

Answering questions about the maritime environmental incident in the central provinces , the Minister confirmed that the seawater in the region has been safe, and all sport, tourism and aquatic breeding activities could be resumed normally.