Post by : Rameen Ariff

Hanoi is once again battling dangerous levels of air pollution as thick smog has covered the Vietnamese capital for an entire week. Industrial plants across the city are facing growing pressure to reduce production as authorities respond to the worsening pollution crisis. The situation has become so serious that the Ministry of Health has urged major factories, including power plants, steel factories and chemical units, to scale back operations whenever the air quality index rises above 200.

The Hanoi air pollution level crossed the danger mark again on Thursday, reaching an AQI of 243 by midday. According to AirVisual, which monitors global pollution levels, this reading placed Hanoi among the world’s most polluted cities, ranking fourth on the list. Throughout the week, the city has repeatedly climbed to the top position, similar to the severe pollution episode seen earlier in January.

Vietnam has been dealing with intense environmental pressure for years as rapid urbanisation, expanding industries, and rising traffic have all contributed to the Hanoi pollution crisis. The capital has become one of Southeast Asia’s hotspots for hazardous air quality, with PM2.5 concentrations frequently crossing safe limits.

For residents, the impact of the Hanoi smog is immediate and constant. Thirty-year-old Pham Thu Giang described the daily struggle, saying her eyes burn and her vision is often blocked by a thick haze. She added that wearing a mask has now become an unavoidable habit for people moving around the city.

The authorities have identified several major contributors behind the dangerous Hanoi AQI levels. These include transport emissions, especially from the millions of gasoline-powered motorbikes that dominate city roads, along with industrial activities, construction dust, and the burning of waste and agricultural leftovers. Le Thanh Thuy, an official from the city’s Department of Agriculture and Environment, said that motorbikes remain one of the biggest sources of pollution, and reducing their use is essential for improvement.

In an attempt to control the rising pollution levels, the city plans to introduce partial bans on gasoline-powered motorbikes in central districts starting mid-2026. The restrictions will gradually expand to include fossil-fuel cars as well. Officials believe that stronger regulations on vehicles, combined with tighter monitoring of factories, will help bring some relief from the persistent Vietnam smog problem.

Residents are growing increasingly worried about the health risks linked to the toxic haze. Seventy-five-year-old Luong Van Toi said he feels extremely tired and weak because of the heavy pollution hanging over the city every day. Health experts warn that the current levels are extremely hazardous, especially for children, the elderly and people with respiratory illnesses.

If converted into actual PM2.5 values, the pollution in Hanoi this week could be nearly 50 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limit of 5 micrograms per cubic metre. With such alarming figures, environmental groups and citizens continue to call for stronger action to protect public health and reduce long-term environmental damage.

The Hanoi air pollution crisis has become a major challenge for Vietnam, and officials say controlling it will require strict enforcement, cleaner transport solutions and better awareness among residents. As the smog continues to thicken, the city remains on high alert, hoping for relief from the toxic air that has disrupted daily life across the capital.

#Global News