Huge column of smoke in the middle of residential area, Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee 'orders' urgent handling

The Hanoi People's Committee has just issued a directive document after the press reported on the situation of Hanoi Industrial Textile Joint Stock Company (Hoang Mai District) releasing polluting smoke into residential areas.

The Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee directed the Department of Agriculture and Environment to preside over and coordinate with the People's Committee of Hoang Mai District and related units to urgently inspect and clarify information; strictly handle violations (if any).

The city leader asked agencies to report the results of the handling before March 20.

According to press reports, for more than 30 years, residents of Mai Dong Ward, Hoang Mai District have had to live with air pollution from the Hanoi Industrial Textile Joint Stock Company factory (headquartered at 91-93 Linh Nam, Mai Dong Ward, Hoang Mai District). This enterprise was established in 1967 and is under the Vietnam Textile and Garment Corporation.

Locals said that the factory releases smoke on average twice a day, at 4am and late at night. There are times when it releases smoke during the day, and each time it releases waste, the stench rises up, making people suffocate.

Ms. Nguyen Hong Van (in lane 13, Linh Nam street) said that her family has been breathing in smoke for more than 10 years now. She has called for help everywhere but no one has come to solve the problem. The woman has had to find ways to reinforce her house to protect her family.

On peak days, the smoke was so thick that Ms. Van compared it to living in a "fogland" because of the toxic fumes from the textile factory. In winter as well as summer, her family did not dare to open the door, and had to install thick curtains to prevent smoke and dust from entering. Unable to dry clothes outside, the family had to use the dryer at full capacity because the soot covered the entire terrace.

Despite trying to adapt by placing air purifiers throughout the house, after only a month, the filters were covered with fabric dust. Many nights, even with the doors closed and the curtains drawn, the couple still woke up startled by the strong burning smell coming from the factory's furnace.

Mr. Pham Van Minh (in group 19, Mai Dong ward) said that the people in the group had filed a petition asking the local government to relocate the factory. However, for the past 15 years, the petition to the City People's Committee has been forgotten.