Military officers searching for unexploded ordnance in Quảng Trị Province, one of the heavily bombed region of Việt Nam during the resistance war against America. — VNA/VNS Photo Hồ Cầu

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam plans to step up efforts to clear post-war unexploded ordnance and toxic chemicals, aiming to remove about 800,000 hectares of bomb and mine-polluted land by 2025.

The information was announced at a conference held yesterday by the National Steering Committee on the Settlement of Post-war Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences, or Committee 701, under the Ministry of National Defence.

The ministry worked with authorities and agencies to handle post-war unexploded ordnance and toxic chemicals in 2016-20, successfully decontaminating two airports and handling some 260 tonnes of Chlorobenzylidenmalo (CS).

In the five-year period, agencies and authorities removed toxic chemicals in Đà Nẵng Airport in central Đà Nẵng City and Phù Cát airport in Quy Nhơn City, the central province of Bình Định, and also started work in Biên Hòa and Aso airports.

They have also implemented projects to support victims in provinces hit hard by toxic chemicals while working with localities to seek international donors to implement projects.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister of Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyễn Chí Vịnh requested the committee continue its work, noting that in the immediate future, it is necessary to finalise documents to ensure benefits and support for people who fought in the war and were affected by chemical toxics.

Authorities needed to continue to focus on contaminated spots that have been detected, investigate and evaluate the level of toxic chemicals in areas sprayed with chemicals in the wartime and other suspected areas while monitoring the environment after settlement, the official said, adding that about 800,000 hectares of bomb and mine-polluted land is expected to be cleared by 2025.

He also called on authorities to study the legal grounds and scientific basis to fight for justice for Agent Orange/Dioxin victims based on legal grounds and in accordance with Việt Nam and the US' laws and international practice. — VNS