HÀ NỘI — The General Department of Environment under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has fined 35 enterprises and 12 hospitals a total of VNĐ16.3 billion (US$700,700) due to environmental protection violations.

The decision came from the inspection results of the General Department of Environment last year in Hà Nội and Hải Phòng City, as well as the northern provinces of Bắc Giang, Hòa Bình, Hải Dương, Hưng Yên and Lào Cai.

Among the localities, Hải Phòng had the highest number with seven enterprises and five hospitals. The total amount of fines was nearly VNĐ5.7 billion ($245,000). 

Hà Nội had 12 fined violating units, including three hospitals and nine enterprises, with a total fine of VNĐ3 billion ($129,000).

Lào Cai Province had 11 violating units with a fine of VNĐ3.45 billion ($148,000).

Bắc Giang Province had nine units fined, Hưng Yên Province seven, while Hòa Bình had three and Hải Dương had two. 

The Law on Environmental Protection which took effect since 2014 regulated that the disposal of recyclable solid waste, if classified properly, will be free of waste collection, transportation and treatment fees.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has proposed a draft law revising the 2014 Law on Environmental Protection which is expected to reduce administrative procedures without affecting environmental protection and add provisions on environmental protection associated with sustainable development. — VNS