In the buildup to the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) 2022 which sees jubilant events, Da Nang’s functional forces are intensifying many surprise inspections and checks over business establishments, restaurants, pubs and other entertainment service providers to clamp down on any noise pollution cases.

Da Nang police officers handle noise violations in Hai Chau District. Photo: L.H

Heed is being paid to imposing administrative penalties on such violations as loud music operations and excessive karaoke sessions in residential and urban areas.

As Tet festival approaches, in an attempt to attract the attention of passers-by and customers, many business establishments on downtown streets including Le Duan, Hung Vuong, Dien Bien Phu, Nguyen Tri Phuong, Nguyen Huu Tho and Ton Duc Thang turned on the high-powered speaker with the sound exceeding the allowable threshold.

Noise pollution has emerged as an issue of deep concern in Da Nang for the past few years, posing serious health risks for local residents. It was a mixture of ear-splitting sounds from vendors’ speakers, mechanical workshops, electronics stores, wood processing factories, shipyards, bars, pups, restaurants and cafes. Even the noise from the ventilation system, if not properly installed, can generate scary sounds.

A senior resident living on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street living nearby pubs hoped for some silent relief from ‘being tortured’ by the noise reaching torturous levels as it caused her to feel suffocated and uncomfortable.

“My health has deteriorated due to regular lack of sleep, while my children cannot focus on their studies because of the noisy, murky surroundings”, she said.

According to Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Xuan Vinh, Head of the Environmental Police Division of the Da Nang Police Department, the task of preventing, fighting and handling noise violations is in the thematic plan of this law enforcement agency. This is one of the key missions of suppressing criminals to ensure security and order for the sake of a happy and safe Tet festival.

Over the past few days, nearly VND260 million in fine was levied on nine violation cases.

Da Nang is one of the leading Vietnamese localities to strongly handle the highly concerning matter of noise pollution.

Publicity and advocacy work is given the top priority. But acts for profit that disregard community life and repeat offenders many times will have to be strictly handled.

Reporting by LE HUNG – Reporting by A. THU