All temporary limestone kilns will be forced to stop operation by 2018, as part of an effort to curb environmental pollution and promote safety, the northern coastal Quảng Ninh Province’s People’s Committee has announced. — VNA/VNS Photo An An

QUẢNG NINH — All temporary limestone kilns will be forced to stop operation by 2018, as part of an effort to curb environmental pollution and promote safety, the northern coastal Quảng Ninh Province’s People’s Committee has announced.

At a conference held in the province on Thursday, vice chairman of the committee Vũ Văn Diện asked local authorities to build specific and feasible plans to end the operation of temporary lime kilns in the province.

Local authorities were asked to verify the land fund for the kilns, creating legal basis to dismantle improper structures and encourage kiln owners switch careers.

Diện required local authorities to re-examine the number of labourers working for temporary lime kilns and set up supportive plans to help them change their jobs. The task must be completed and reported to the committee by the end of this month.

He also asked local authorities to strengthen management on exploiting, transporting and consuming calcium oxide, to organise regular inspection and to deter land use, environmental and traffic violations.

Figures from the committee show that there were 64 temporary lime kilns in the province, mostly located in Hạ Long, Đông Triều, Uông Bí cities and Quảng Yên Township.

Of those, six kilns have stopped operation. Among the other 58 kilns, most were business households with a designed capacity of 3,000 tonnes per kiln per year.

Diện said the operation of these kilns is temporary without specific investment plans, designs and construction certificates.

Local authorities have found it hard to manage the origin of materials supplied for these kilns. In addition, kilns located in residential areas are causing serious pollution and affecting the lives of residents.

Statistics from Uông Bí City showed that as many as 41 lime kilns are in operation. Of those, 37 are located in Phương Nam Ward.

Local residents continue to complain about the dust and black smoke discharged from these kilns, causing respiratory diseases for them.

A kiln was even about 300 metres away from Phương Nam C Primary School, covering a layer of dust on the classrooms and blocking all outdoor activities for students.

The school and parents have reported to local authorities many times, but the situation has not improved.

At the conference, leaders of Hạ Long, Đông Triều, Uông Bí cities and Quảng Yên Township said they have informed owners of temporary lime kilns and will create conditions for those who want to switch jobs. — VNS