Chairman Chung said as of 31/12/2015, green space per capita of Hanoi is only 6.7 or 6.8 m2. Hanoi is striving to achieve a green space per capita ratio of 10 – 11 m2.On the question whether the this goal is attainable, chairman Nguyen Duc Chung said that Hanoi has initiated the campaign to plant 1 million trees. Since January 1, 2016, the City has planted 320.000 trees. The trees are planted at newly built parks, new roads and schools; trees planted as replacement of fallen trees and as addition to tree-lined streets. The city also encourages city dwellers to plant trees in their own yards and at work places.
Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung at meeting with voters
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The calculations of international scientists show that if the green area of a city reach 9m2 per person, the city’s temperature will decrease by 1 to 1,5 degrees Celsius in the hottest days. At the same time, planting trees will reduce the environmental pollution. The Hanoi Chairman also stressed that chopping down or moving trees is unavoidable in urban development. Widening road to reduce traffic congestion sometimes require chopping down young or too old trees.
On the fate 1300 African mahogany trees in the to-be-expanded Pham Van Dong road, chairman Chung said the Hanoi leaders are concerned about keeping the city green. The city’s 3rd ringroad is nearing completion with only the section Mai Dich – Thang Long bridge to be built to avoid congestion. In addition, the road needs to be widened for the construction of a flyover. The flyover construction is funded by the ODA from Japan. If ground is not broken for construction by July 7, Japan will withdraw the funding.
The Pham Van Dong road was planned since 1992. Some African mahogany were planted here before 1992 but most of the road 25-28 year old trees were planted between 1992-1996.
“After having discussed with scientists, we confirm that these African mahogany trees cannot be replanted on any street or park in Hanoi, since the process will require digging a hole of 3m wide and 1,5m deep, too big. Another reason is that we are also going to plant other species of trees," the Chairman stated.
According to Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung, Hanoi will review and put the best effort in moving straight trees that can still grow. For twisted trees, the City will take down and sell for profit. The cost of moving one tree ranges between 25-40 million VND, whereas a newly planted tree with diameter of 20 – 25cm only costs 3,2 million VND per tree. Therefore, the solution for planting 15,000-18,000 trees outweighs moving and replanting 1,300 African mahogany trees.
