Illegal sand exploitation along Trao Trảo Canal in Thủ Đức city. — Photo www.baogiaothong.vn

HCM CITY — The HCM City People's Committee has proposed doubling violation fines for illegal sand mining, transporting and trade.

To reduce illegal sand mining, the city has assigned more patrol forces, improved inspections, and coordinated with residents in monitoring mineral exploitation activities.

The stricter punishment is expected to stop illegal sand mining activities in the Cần Giờ Sea, rivers, canals and bordering provinces.

Illegal mining has caused erosion and polluted the environment, threatening the lives of locals.

The existing fines and other penalties are not severe enough to deter illegal sand miners, and some violators have resumed activities despite being penalised earlier.

The committee has suggested that all vehicles transporting minerals, including sand, must be equipped with navigation equipment and dash cams.

Vehicles used to exploit minerals will be confiscated if they are different from their original designs (with more tools or machinery).

The city authorities have also proposed raising punishment levels for violations related to the operation of inland waterway ports and wharves, traffic safety of waterway vehicles, and overloaded waterway transport.

The proposed fines would double or increase to VNĐ2-5 million (US$87-216).

The temporary revocation of driving licenses for waterway transport would last for at least one month. — VNS