Urban development and environmental management initiatives in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is implementing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) models to integrate urban spaces with public transport, specifically using metro lines as development axes. Following Resolution No. 38/2025 of the City People's Council, the TOD planning scope covers a 1,000-meter radius from metro stations or depots. The strategy aims to concentrate residential, commercial, and office functions within walking distance of stations to optimize land use, reduce private vehicle reliance, and minimize pollution.

In Hanoi, authorities are addressing urban river pollution by expanding wastewater collection systems. Following the investment in 14 km of collection lines along the To Lich River to divert waste to the Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment Plant, the city is now extending systems along approximately 7.8 km of the Lu River and nearly 7 km of the Nhue River. The goal is to separate domestic wastewater from river flows to improve water quality. Hanoi aims to reach a 70% wastewater treatment rate by 2030 through a combination of public investment and public-private partnerships involving 12 total treatment plants.