Vietnam Uncovers 497 Environmental Violation Cases in May: GSO

Vietnam has found 497 cases violating the regulations on environmental protection nationwide in May, compared to 259 cases in May 2012, said the government’s General Statistics Office (GSO). During the month, environmental protection agencies imposed a total fine of over VND233 billion ($11 million) on about 324 violation cases. Vietnamese spend $780 million on healthcare services annually because of the rising pollution, particularly polluted air and water resources. The country is estimated to lose 5.5% of its gross domestic product (GDP) each year to rapidly rising environmental pollution, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Earlier, the government approved a VND5.86 trillion program on dealing with environmental pollution by 2015. (GSO May Edition)