Football fans gather to watch a match on a large screen on Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street, Jan. 23. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — Authorities in HCM City are imposing stricter controls on major events in the downtown after rising complaints about disruptions to daily life.

In recent years, the downtown area, particularly Sài Gòn and Bến Thành Wards, has seen extensive upgrades designed to create a modern, livable and civilised urban space. It has become a frequent venue for high-profile political, diplomatic, cultural, economic and sporting gatherings.

The increasing number of such events, often without sufficient coordinated planning, has resulted in severe traffic jams, noise and light pollution, and growing discontent among residents and visitors. In response, the municipal People’s Committee has issued a directive to enhance supervision and fix organisational shortcomings.

A document signed on March 3 recognises the vital contribution of these events to elevating the city’s image and global profile. Still, poor planning in recent months has produced adverse impacts.

The chairman of the municipal People’s Committee has directed that all events on the city’s two main thoroughfares – Lê Lợi and Nguyễn Huệ – adhere strictly to the annual event schedule approved by local authorities.

The directive places particular emphasis on Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street as the preferred venue. Any proposed event on Lê Lợi boulevard now requires direct approval from the committee chairman.

Organisers of special or ad hoc events must follow the same high-level review to maintain unified oversight.

To establish a clear legal and technical framework, the Department of Culture and Sports has been assigned to prepare the city’s annual event calendar.

It must urgently develop a set of detailed criteria covering event content, scale, sound and lighting specifications, and environmental hygiene. These benchmarks will act as a necessary 'filter' to exclude substandard or inappropriate activities in the central cultural space.

Heads of municipal departments and authorities in Sài Gòn and Bến Thành wrds were asked to strictly enforce the directive. Any matters beyond their jurisdiction must be promptly reported to local leaders for timely settlement.

The new technical requirements for sound and lighting are intended to strike a better equilibrium between economic and tourism growth and the quality of life for downtown residents. — VNA/VNS