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Ho Chi Minh City Approves 2026-2030 Water Quality Plan Amidst Declining River Health

Ho Chi Minh City Approves 2026-2030 Water Quality Plan Amidst Declining River Health

From Thanh Niên · () Vietnamese

Translated from Vietnamese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City has approved a plan to manage water quality in its rivers and lakes from 2026-2030.
  • Despite past improvements, water quality in the Saigon and Dong Nai rivers has declined in the last two years, raising concerns about pollution control.
  • Readers urge stricter enforcement against waste dumping and improved wastewater treatment to revive the city's waterways.

Ho Chi Minh City has outlined a plan to manage water quality in its rivers and lakes for 2026-2030, following a period where improvements have reversed. While water quality in major rivers like the Saigon and Dong Nai was generally fair to very good between 2021 and 2025, a noticeable decline in the past two years has prompted urgent calls for better pollution control.

Nạn xả rác thải, nước thải xuống kênh, rạch phải xử nghiêm mới mong các dòng sông hồi sinh

— Nguyễn Thị Phương LinhA reader commenting on the need for strict enforcement against waste dumping into canals and rivers.

The city's plan acknowledges the comprehensive state of its surface water quality. However, the recent downward trend, particularly in the Saigon River, is a significant concern. This decline is largely attributed to domestic wastewater and urban runoff flowing into the city's canal and ditch system, which then empties into the main rivers.

Dòng sông Sài Gòn trước còn thấy đoạn nước trong, giờ toàn thấy nước đục, chạy bộ dọc mé sông mà buồn quá! Mong thành phố siết quản lý chứ kéo dài kiểu này không biết bao giờ mới cải thiện được...

— Nguyễn Bình MinhA reader expressing sadness over the pollution of the Saigon River and urging tighter city management.

The Dong Nai River, a crucial water source for the southeastern region, is also experiencing similar issues. Despite these challenges, some water bodies maintain good to very good quality, with the Be River showing improvement. Water reservoirs for domestic supply, such as Da Den and Song Ray, remain bright spots, meeting all monitoring standards.

Thành phố cần bắt quả tang, phạt thật nặng các trường hợp xả trộm rác thải, nước thải. Chỉ có thực sự quyết liệt thì mới ra chuyện

— Hoàng Văn BảoA reader suggesting that catching and heavily fining illegal dumpers is the only way to achieve results.

Readers expressed a strong consensus that controlling pollution sources, enhancing wastewater treatment capacity, and restoring the rivers are paramount. Many called for strict penalties against illegal waste dumping into canals and rivers, emphasizing that decisive action is needed for any real improvement. The clarity of the published water management plan was welcomed, but readers stressed that rigorous implementation and close monitoring are essential for the rivers' revival.

Rất vui khi thấy kế hoạch quản lý nước mặt được TP.HCM công bố rành mạch, rõ ràng. Nhưng chỉ đạo quyết liệt là một chuyện, còn khi thực hiện thì phải sát sao mới mong cải thiện

— Lưu Ngọc HiềnA reader appreciating the clear water management plan but emphasizing the need for rigorous implementation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Thanh Niên in Vietnamese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.