Ho Chi Minh City to launch mobile app for real-time environmental quality monitoring

The plan was outlined in a directive issued by vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Bui Minh Thanh following a recent meeting on state management in environmental protection.

Under the directive, the municipal Department of Agriculture and Environment will lead a review of existing environmental protection regulations.

The department will coordinate with relevant agencies to advise the municipal administration on removing documents that are outdated and inconsistent.

A key initiative is the launch of a digital tool to provide environmental quality information to the public via a mobile platform.

Also, the city will build environmental database management software linked to the city’s data platform.

Besides, the city is accelerating digital transformation in the environmental sector, and stepping up efforts to streamline administrative procedures and reduce the time required to process environmental-related applications.

Authorities will intensify inspections to ensure compliance with environmental protection laws, particularly through post-licensing checks, and impose strict penalties on violations.

In addition, Thanh tasked the municipal Department of Public Security with expanding the deployment of surveillance camera systems to detect and promptly address environmental violations, including illegal dumping.

If necessary, the police will conduct reviews and assessments to propose additional investment in surveillance camera infrastructure to support environmental monitoring while maintaining public security.

Expanding public transport to improve air quality

The municipal Department of Construction has been assigned to urgently advise the municipal administration on projects to develop public transport infrastructure as a way to improve air quality.

This effort will be implemented alongside the second phase of a vehicle emissions control program.

Meanwhile, the city’s Department of Planning and Architecture will team up with the municipal Department of Agriculture and Environment and the authorities of communes and wards to review the current network of solid waste transfer stations.

The goal is to reorganize and optimize the system to ensure efficient waste collection while maintaining environmental hygiene and urban aesthetics.