HCMC to Install 157 Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Ho Chi Minh City is set to implement 157 air quality monitoring stations as part of the 2026 Natural Resources and Environment Monitoring Program. This initiative aims to track pollution, provide timely health risk warnings, and aid in developing new emission control policies. Submitted by the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the plan is a response to the city's frequent ranking among the most polluted areas in the region.

The monitoring system will deliver ongoing scientific data, evaluating socio-economic policies' effectiveness and enhancing the city's ability to handle environmental incidents. With a population surge to around 14 million and nearly 12.7 million vehicles, the city's pollution concerns have escalated, especially during peak traffic hours. Past data from 2021 to 2025 shows frequent breaches of PM10, PM2.5, and nitrogen dioxide levels, particularly in high-traffic areas and construction zones.

Major pollution sources include transportation, industry, and inflows from neighboring provinces like Dong Nai and Tay Ninh. In addition to air quality, the department plans to expand water and land monitoring with 254 stations for surface water quality and numerous sites for tracking other environmental factors. Rivers and canals are dealing with organic, nutrient, and microbial pollution mainly due to untreated wastewater, while excessive groundwater extraction is leading to groundwater decline and land subsidence.

The city is under pressure from Prime Minister’s Directive No. 20 to address environmental management issues by improving institutional frameworks. Efforts are underway to control traffic emissions, transition to greener practices, and create low-emission zones. These plans are critical as Ho Chi Minh City navigates its environmental challenges moving forward, reported VN Express.

Key Takeaways

• Ho Chi Minh City will install 157 monitoring stations to combat air pollution.
• Pollution sources include transportation and industrial activities from nearby provinces.
• The city aims to adopt new policies for a green transition and better emission control.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-12-23