HÀ NỘI – The environment cannot be allowed to be destroyed for the sake of socio-economic development, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc told an online environment protection conference with 63 localities this morning.

He said many cases of environment pollution and violations of environment protection regulations in the past had led to great public outcry. The situation worsened over many years of socio-economic development, affecting the living conditions of local people and causing social disorder, he said.

Environment pollution could be found not only in one field but in many fields, he said, adding that many “hot spots” of environment pollution had appeared and could have negative effects if they were not handled properly.

Water, air and land pollution have become more serious over the years, particularly at industrial complexes, craft villages and rural and even urban areas.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Trần Hồng Hà said more than 2,000 projects were required to make environment impact assessment reports every year. An estimated 47 tonnes of hazardous waste and 125,000cu.m of medical wastewater are discharged from industrial zones, production establishments, businesses and craft villages, besides medical units into the environment each day.

He said several foreign direct investment projects had violated environment protection regulations, such as Taiwanese-owned MSG maker Vedan Vietnam and Taiwanese firm Hưng Nghiệp Formosa Hà Tĩnh Steel Corporation.

For better environment protection, PM Phúc said there was a need to change the development mindset towards promoting socio-economic development in close connection with environment protection and sustainable development, with a resolution not to harm the environment in exchange for initial profits.

The leader said ministries, agencies, sectors and localities should take a more frank look at the actual situation of environment pollution for better awareness, more effective solutions and more practical and concrete efforts to deal with the issue.

It was also essential to acknowledge shortcomings and weaknesses in State management that allowed environment pollution to happen, he said. It mean that we should clarify the responsibilities of relevant agencies, particularly the management role of the natural resources and environment ministry, and of natural resources and environment departments in localities, Phúc said. — VNS