The National Remote Sensing Agency, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, has identified 110 air pollution hotspots across Hanoi. These hotspots were pinpointed after a four-month monitoring period from September to December 2025, which involved satellite surveillance, unmanned aerial vehicles, and field surveys. The agency identified hundreds of urban construction sites, large projects in the inner city, and construction waste dumps as potential sources of dust pollution for Hanoi.

The 14 craft villages identified as potential sources of air pollution are: Ha Thai (Nam Phu), Da Sy (Phu Luong), Ngu Xa (Ba Dinh), Bat Trang, Minh Khai, La Phu (Hanoi), Cat Que (Duong Hoa), Thanh Thuy (Tam Hung), Van Canh, Son Dong (Son Dong), Phu Vinh (Phu Nghia), Gie Thuong (Chuyen My), Tan Trieu (Dinh Cong), and Trieu Khuc (Dinh Cong). Additionally, 68 large construction projects are currently underway within Ring Road 4. Among these, 7 major projects are located within 5 km of Hoan Kiem Lake, and 35 projects are within a 10 km radius. The agency also noted 28 areas of straw burning in the districts of Thuong Tin, Thach That, and the former Me Linh.

Dinh Cong ward's air pollution seen from above, late 2025. Photo: Thanh Hai

The National Remote Sensing Agency employs two primary technologies for air quality monitoring: high and super-high resolution satellite imagery, and Matrice 300 RTK unmanned aerial vehicles for detailed surveillance. Satellite imagery provides a comprehensive overview of the entire city, tracking construction zones and craft villages, and detecting emission indicators such as smokestacks or open burning sites. Drones are deployed for detailed, real-time monitoring and to respond to emerging situations. They capture close-up images at hotspots like waste burning, straw burning, or localized emissions, providing direct data for inspections and enforcement.

Tran Tuan Ngoc, Director of the National Remote Sensing Agency, stated that combining remote sensing with unmanned aerial vehicles is an appropriate approach for modern urban management. However, to ensure long-term effectiveness, the implementation mechanisms need further refinement. Ngoc suggested digitizing the licensing and flight coordination processes to shorten processing times. He also recommended establishing an online data sharing mechanism between the monitoring unit and the city People's Committee to ensure timely information transfer, and maintaining periodic surveillance during harvest and peak construction seasons.

On-site waste burning causing air pollution in Hanoi. Photo: Pham Chieu

Since late 2025, Hanoi has experienced complex air pollution, with the air quality index (AQI) frequently registering as poor, very poor, or even hazardous due to meteorological factors unfavorable for dust dispersion. In response to these challenges, central and Hanoi authorities have implemented various measures, including the use of satellites and drones, to monitor pollution hotspots and issue health warnings to residents.

Gia Chinh