Hanoi intensifies controls on straw burning and air pollution

Hanoi authorities have launched intensified measures to combat air pollution and manage waste as the city enters a period of high environmental risk. Following a directive from Vice Chairman Bui Duy Cuong, the city is prioritizing the cessation of open-air burning of straw, agricultural by-products, and waste.

Local authorities are tasked with identifying high-risk areas and increasing surveillance, particularly between 17:00 and 22:00 when burning activities frequently occur. Commune-level police will be deployed to monitor and penalize violations. To encourage sustainable alternatives, the city is promoting the use of biological products to process straw and repurposing agricultural by-products for production.

In addition to agricultural burning, the city is targeting three main emission sources to mitigate the seasonal decline in air quality expected between October and March. These include controlling dust from construction sites—requiring contractors to implement shielding and misting—and managing urban sanitation through increased street cleaning and water spraying. While Hanoi reported that 74.42% of days from January to September 2026 had moderate to good air quality, officials emphasize that proactive monitoring of construction, traffic, and open burning is essential to protect public health during the winter and spring months.