People walk on a beach in Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province. The provincial authorities plan to ease the environmental impact of their new project. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hùng

QUẢNG NINH — The urban renovation and public beach development project in the northern coastal city of Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh Province, will not encroach on Hạ Long Bay, local authorities have stated.

The project, invested by the city People's Committee, is underway and is expected to come into operation in 2020.

Trần Quốc Nghiễn Street, which stretches down the city’s coastline, will be expanded from four lanes to six and pavements will be narrowed.

A new esplanade paved with wood will also be built along the street, presenting pedestrians and bicycle riders a clear, open view of the sea.

As a part of the project, Hòn Gai public beach spanning 900m at the end of Trần Quốc Nghiễn Street will be opened in 2020. It will offer free entrance, freshwater showers and exercise equipment for locals and tourists, according to Vũ Văn Hợp, Chief of Staff of the provincial People’s Committee.

In another development, Quảng Ninh Province authorities have launched an investigation into a sand mining project conducted by Đông Bắc A Company in Bình Ngọc District, Móng Cái City, near the Việt Nam – China border.

Sand mined from the area is used for key local projects; however, the company did not mine in approved places and local authorities exhibited poor management.

“If wrongdoings are severe, we will consider withdrawing or bringing criminal proceedings against the company,” said Hợp.

Đông Bắc Á Company was approved to mine sand in the district with a capacity of 4.5cu.m ??? per year.

The company has started large-scale mining operations and signed many deals with private enterprises since April, although it has not yet completed all necessary legal procedures.

In early May, city authorities demanded a halt on the project to investigate. — VNS