Capital doubles fines in push for cleaner air

From the top of a list of the world's most polluted cities

Ha Noi has long struggled with air pollution, particularly due to rapid urbanization, dense traffic, industrial activities, and agricultural burning. The most concerning pollutant is PM2.5 — fine particulate matter small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing serious health risks.

The metropolis is struggling with major pollution sources namely vehicle emissions (especially older motorbikes and diesel trucks), construction dust, industrial activity, burning of agricultural waste as well as domestic waste burning and informal incineration.

Levels of hazardous small particles, known as PM2.5, were measured at 266 micrograms per cubic metre in Ha Noi in early January, the highest reading among a list of most-polluted cities, according to AirVisual.

Tough actions

From this September, the capital has doubled penalties for environmental violations, a move that city officials say is already showing results. 

PM2.5 levels dropped by 9 percent in the first half of 2025, a clear sign that stricter regulations and greener transport policies are beginning to pay off.

Ha Noi's air quality management strategies—once seen as aspirational—are now becoming reality. Low-emission zones, a growing fleet of electric buses, tougher pollution controls, and expanded air monitoring systems are transforming the way people move, build, and breathe in the city.

"We are shifting from promises to decisive action," said Nguyen Xuan Dai, Director of the Ha Noi Department of Agriculture and Environment. "Thanks to the collective efforts of both the government and the public, Ha Noi is becoming cleaner, greener, and more livable."

Under Resolution No. 08/2025/NQ-HDND, effective from September 1, fines for environmental violations have been doubled. 

The resolution establishes a legal framework to uphold urban order and protect public resources. It not only punishes violations, but also aims to safeguard natural resources and ensure a livable environment for future generations.

Pursuant to Clause 1, Article 33 of the 2024 Capital Law, the resolution doubles the penalties outlined in Article 46 of Government Decree No. 45/2022 for most violations. This aims to increase deterrence and encourage more responsible environmental practices.

For instance, the fine for installing equipment or pipelines that discharge untreated waste into the environment will now rise to VND120 to 160 million (US$4,720 to $6,300) for individuals, up from VND60 to 80 million (around US$2,360 to US$3,150). For organizations, the fine will increase to VND 240 to 320 million (about US$9,440 to US$12,600).

The resolution is a timely and necessary measure. By toughening penalties, it strengthens deterrence, reinforces legal authority, and bolsters the city’s environmental protection efforts.

Waste management systems are being upgraded, and by 2030, all industrial parks will be required to have centralized wastewater treatment facilities.

The document also targets both domestic and foreign individuals and organizations operating within Ha Noi. 

From stricter enforcement and advanced technology to everyday choices by citizens, Ha Noi's battle for cleaner air is gaining real traction—one policy, one action, and one breath at a time.

In the first six months of 2025, more than 70 percent of days recorded "good" or "moderate" air quality—an increase of 15 percent compared to last year. The city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) now stands at 78. While this remains in the "moderate" range, it reflects a steady downward trend in pollution levels. 

Turning policy into action

Specifically, Ha Noi's Air Quality Management Plan, which runs through 2030 with a vision to 2035, sets a goal to cut fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by at least 20 percent from 2024 levels. The plan includes tighter emissions standards for traffic, construction, industry, and waste-burning practices.

Low-emission zones have been piloted in central districts such as Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Hai Ba Trung, and Tay Ho, with future plans to extend them to areas enclosed by Ring Roads 1 to 3. Starting in 2026, gasoline-powered motorbikes will be banned from central areas, with fossil-fuel cars to be gradually restricted from 2028 to 2030.

On the public transport front, newly launched electric bus lines and expanded metro routes are helping reduce dependency on private vehicles. Around 50 new air monitoring stations now provide real-time data, while drones are used to detect major emission sources like illegal burning of agricultural waste. Stricter construction regulations and increased inspections of diesel trucks are also contributing to cleaner air.

Nguyen Thai Nam, Director of the Center for Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, emphasized that cross-sector coordination is key. "We're working closely with local authorities to control pollution from all sources and return air quality to safe levels," he said.

Change is visible on the streets. Tay Ho resident Le Thu Hang, who commutes by electric scooter, shared: "It's not just about convenience—it's about the future. If everyone does their part, Ha Noi's skies will be clearer in just a few years."

Longer-term, Ha Noi's Climate Action Plan targets net-zero emissions by 2050. The strategy is built around six key pillars: education, compliance, pollution prevention, resource efficiency, urgent response, and stronger law enforcement.

Director Nguyen Xuan Dai emphasized that environmental and public health will not be compromised for short-term economic gains. "True progress means healthier communities, preserved resources, and an environment where future generations can thrive."