How is littering in rivers and lakes punished?
Ms. Kieu Oanh (Truong Vinh Ward) reported: Recently, I often see some people throwing household waste, even dropping worship items such as altars and incense bowls into rivers and lakes. May I ask, is this behavior a violation of the law? If so, how will it be handled according to current regulations?
Reply:
Littering into rivers and lakes not only seriously affects the environment but is also a violation of the law. According to Decree No. 45/2022/ND-CP of the Government on administrative sanctions for violations in the field of environmental protection, those who dump household waste in the wrong places will be subject to administrative sanctions.
Specifically, at Point d Clause 2 Article 25 Decree 45/2022/ND-CP, a fine of VND 1,000,000 to VND 2,000,000 is applied to the act of dumping, discharging, or discarding waste into drainage systems, ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, streams, seas, or public places.
In addition to monetary penalties, violators may also be subject to remedial measures, forced to restore the original state or take measures to treat environmental pollution caused by the violation.
In addition, in cases where the discharge is serious, involving hazardous waste, causing major consequences for the environment and public health, the perpetrator may also be prosecuted under Article 235 of the 2015 Penal Code, amended and supplemented in 2017, on "Crime of causing environmental pollution".
Therefore, all people need to raise awareness of environmental protection, not littering in rivers, lakes or natural water sources. Preserving the living environment is not only a legal obligation but also a common responsibility of the whole society.
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