Decision No. 702/QD-TTg dated June 07, 2019 on approving amendment to general planning of Ha Long Bay 2040 with vision towards 2050

DECISION

APPROVING AMENDMENT TO GENERAL PLANNING OF HA LONG BY 2040 WITH VISION TOWARDS 2050

THE PRIME MINISTER

Pursuant to the Law on Government Organization dated June 19, 2015;

Pursuant to the Law on Planning dated June 17, 2009;

Pursuant to the Construction Law dated June 19, 2014;

Pursuant to the Law on amendments to a number of Articles of 37 Laws related to planning dated November 20, 2018;

The Government’s Decree No. 37/2010/ND-CP dated April 07, 2010 on formulation, appraisal, approval and management of urban planning;

At the request of the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh in the Statements No. 2258/UBND-TTr dated April 08, 2019 and No. 3609/UBND-QH1 dated May 28, 2019; Appraisal Reports No. 53/BC-BXD dated April 24, 2019 and No.1260/BXD-QHKT dated May 30, 2019 by the Ministry of Construction,

HEREBY DECIDES:

Article 1.Amendment to the general planning of Ha Long by 2040 with vision towards 2050, with the following main contents, is approved:

1. Scope and boundary of planning formulation

- The planning scope encompasses the administrative boundaries of Ha Long, which constitutes a natural area of 27,753.9 ha.

- The scope of indirect research includes the vicinity of Ha Long such as Hoanh Bo district, Quang Yen and Cam Pha.

2. Objectives of planning amendment

- Elevate the role of Ha Long in specific and Quang Ninh in general in the region and around the world. Develop Ha Long towards sustainable development in accordance with the requirements for green growth and adaptation to climate change.

- Develop Ha Long into a civilized and friendly city of coastal and maritime tourism; an international service - tourism center with synchronized and modern socio-economic infrastructure system together with the preservation and enhancement of Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage Site.

- Develop urban technical and social infrastructure systems in a modernized and synchronized manner; enhance Ha Long’s role as an important nucleus and transport hub of the whole country. 

- Provide as the basis for management of planning and formulation of development policies for Ha Long, and further preparation for investment in planning-based development.

3. Ha Long’s characteristics

- A national service - tourism center of international standards in connection with the preservation and enhancement of Ha Long Bay.

- A regional-level city with capacity for service - tourism - commerce - industry - sea ports, a driving force for growth of the key economic zone, coastal economic belt and coastal region of the North.

- An administrative, economic, socio-cultural, scientific-technical and educational center of Quang Ninh; a catalyst for socio-economic development of the Northeast; a city of significance to national defense and security.

- A smart and green metropolis with an aim for sustainable development and adaptation to climate change.

4. Urban development indicators

a) Population

- Approximately 570,000 - 600,000 by 2030 (residents: 380,000 - 400,000, non-residents: 190,000 - 200,000).

- Approximately 720,000 - 800,000 by 2040 (residents: 460,000 - 500,000, non-residents: 260,000 - 300,000).

b) Land area

- By 2030: Urban land area will have reached approximately 7,852 ha, in which area for civil purpose is about 5,157 ha (91 m2/person) and area for non-civil purposes accounts for about 2,695 ha.

- By 2040: Urban land area will have reached approximately 10,880 ha, in which area for civil purpose is about 6,697 ha (93 m2/person) and area for non-civil purposes accounts for about 4,183 ha.

5. Urban development model and structure

Ha Long shall be developed along Ha Long Bay’s coasts and following the multi-polar model with Cua Luc Bay as the center of connection; and with the following 4 development zones:

- The northward development zone, connected with the natural ecosystem of Cua Luc Bay and the south of Hoanh Bo district, an ecological urban area that provides auxiliary services for Ha Long.

- The east development zone, an administrative, commercial and cultural center of Ha Long linked with development of Cam Pha’s urban space.

- The west development zone, serving tourism, service, industry, ports, etc. and growing southward in connection with Ha Long Bay.  

- The expanded west zone, performing the functions of an ecological metropolis that encompasses sea and islands and a protector of water sources and natural ecosystems; with tourism - service hubs of international standards and regional-level educational and sports centers linked with urban space development.

6. Orientations for space development

a) Comprehensive orientation for space development

- Expand the city towards the west of Ha Long and the areas surrounding Cua Luc Bay; control development of functional zones to beautify the areas around Ha Long Bay and Cua Luc Bay; follow roadmaps and gradually convert industrial plants and establishments around Cua Luc Bay into those of service, tourism and urban purposes to ensure environment sustainability.

- Divide urban space into 3 areas of landscape architecture which are the coastal area, the area undergoing renovation and the mountainous area. Manage architectural planning of each area to ensure synchronization, consistency and signature urban form.

- Develop the center in a decentralized manner and linked with the development zones to form individual areal development form. Boost integrated, multi-purpose and self-sustaining centers to serve citizens and promote services and tourism. Plan and execute construction works with unique architecture to create highlights in central areas, seaside areas and on mountainous, hilly or sloped land.

-Control coastal corridors, connect separate projects to ensure the big picture; prioritize development of public spaces, structures and services; implement measures to respond to climate change and sea level rise scenarios. Design different landscape architecture for each coastal road section in connection with separate urban design solutions, which serves as the basis for performance of coastal spatial renovation projects.

- Exploit mountainous, hilly or sloped land to boost urban services and tourism services, and create urban space highlights by utilizing topography and avoiding land grading, which might lead to topographical deformation or disturbance to areal landscape. Strictly control construction on mountainous, hilly or sloped land, and boost green space with low construction rate.

- Renovate existing residential areas by upgrading or supplementing technical and social infrastructure of class-1 city standards, improve living conditions of citizens and incorporate service and tourism development. New construction works located in-between existing structures must harmonize with their areas spatially and architecturally. Prioritize planning and relocation of plants, manufacture establishments, state agencies within the city limit to acquire more land for social infrastructure, parks and parking lots in existing areas. Build new apartment buildings for accommodation in combination with services and commerce to replace old apartment buildings or degraded residential areas, ensuring people’s safety and urban landscape architecture.

- Protect and enhance ecological, topographical, greenery and surface water diversity in Ha Long to support development of urban parks that encompass greenery and surface water. Establish greenery as a signature of Ha Long metropolis.

- Utilize tidal flats in Tuan Chau and Dai Yen and those surrounding Cua Luc Bay to boost urban and tourism services development according to detailed assessment of natural conditions, current state of ecosystems and climate change impacts. Do not place structures in locations that can jeopardize ocean-based activities, international maritime corridors and socio–economic activities; comply with regulations of laws on environmental protection, marine spatial planning and coastal land use planning.

b) Orientation for areal spatial development

There are 10 areas divided for the purpose of spatial development. They are:

- Area 1, including parts of Hong Gai, Tran Hung Dao, Bach Dang, Hong Hai, Hong Ha, Ha Trung and Cao Thang wards:

+ A provincial- and municipal-level administrative, economic, cultural and educational center. Land area accounts for 1,405 ha, of which 868 ha is for civil purpose and 303 ha is for non-civil purpose. Population by 2040 is estimated to be 172,000 - 200,000.

+ Orientation: reform and renovate existing residential areas, complete coastal routes, supply public utilities, beaches, parking lots, maritime terminals and tourism facilities and services; establish cultural, sports and recreational centers, new hillside and seaside urban areas spatially linked with Ha Long Bay.

- Area 2, including parts of Yet Kieu, Cao Xanh, Ha Khanh, Cao Thang and Ha Lam wards:

+ An urban area undergoing reform and expansion. Land area accounts for 1,531 ha, of which 1,201 ha is for civil purpose and 175 ha is for non-civil purpose. Population by 2040 is estimated to be 108,000 - 114,000.

Orientation: establish a modern and ecological urban space to the east of Cua Luc Bay, renovate existing urban residential areas; locate healthcare, educational, sports and public services and facilities to the east of Ha Long; grow more trees near Cua Luc Bay, coal mines and key urban technical areas.

- Area 3, consisting of parts of Ha Tu, Ha Phong and Ha Trung wards:

+ An urban area undergoing reform and construction. Land area accounts for 2,754 ha, of which 636 ha is for civil purpose and 214 ha is for non-civil purpose. Population by 2040 is estimated to be 51,000 - 57,000.

+ Orientation: build a coastal road connecting Ha Long - Cam Pha and linked with new urban development. Utilize industrial establishments and mountainous areas to form urban functional zones with synchronized and modern social infrastructure. Locate key service facilities such as commercial services, transport hubs, fishing ports and clusters of small-scale industries and handicrafts to the east of Ha Long.

- Area 4, including parts of Ha Lam, Ha Trung, Ha Phong and Ha Khanh wards:

+ An area undergoing mine reclamation to build green parks, ecotourism zones and urban functional zones. Land area accounts for 4,095 ha, of which 286 ha is for civil purpose and 491 ha is for non-civil purpose. Population by 2040 is estimated to be 20,000 - 22,000.

+ Orientation: reclaim coalmines, plant trees to contribute to landscape, utilize land to attract investment in education, tourism and golf courses for urban functional zones; implement safety measures for reclaimed land.

- Area 5, including Gieng Day, Ha Khau and Viet Hung:

+ An area for industrial development in combination with port services and urban renovation. Land area accounts for 1,890 ha, of which 667 ha is for civil purpose and 1,183 ha is for non-civil purpose. Population by 2040 is estimated to be 57,000 - 66,000.

+ Orientation: Complete Viet Hung and Cai Hung industrial zones, build transport facilities to connect Hoanh Bo, gradually convert existing industrial establishments into those for urban services; develop Cai Lan port into a general port equipped with modern logistics services to support different forms of maritime transport of the region.

- Area 6, comprising parts of Bai Chay and Hung Thang wards:

+ A center of high-class recreational and tourism services. Land area accounts for 1,897 ha, of which 1,004 ha is for civil purpose and 461 ha is for non-civil purpose. Population by 2040 is estimated to be 106,000 - 113,000.

+ Orientation: Maintain land currently allocated for tourism, prioritize mixed development with services of tourism, recreation, vacation, commerce, housing and high-rise hotels along Bai Chay coastal road; build modern social and technical infrastructure, international cruise ports, marinas and inland waterway terminals in a consistent manner; establish walking streets, coastal routes combined with public beaches, seaward squares; promote public transport, electric vehicles and bicycles for tourism; locate parking lots in a concentrated manner, limit private vehicles according to roadmaps.

- Area 7, comprising parts of Ha Khau and Viet Hung wards:

+ An urban area linked with mountainous areas and accounting for 1,113 ha, of which 271 ha is for civil purpose and 199 ha is for non-civil purpose. Population by 2040 is estimated to reach 31,000 - 33,000.

+ Orientation: Develop forest parks to serve the city and tourism. Develop urban functional zones with low building density and low-rise structure; strictly control landscape architecture and restrict direct entrance to outbound routes.

- Area 8, located in Tuan Chau ward:

+ Strive to become an international tourist island. Land area accounts for 1,048 ha, of which 476 ha is for civil purpose and 415 ha is for non-civil purpose. Population by 2040 is estimated to reach 50,000 - 57,000.

+ Orientation: Establish an urban area of high-class sport, recreation and ecological - cultural tourism; an international tourism and commercial center; utilize alluvial plains to form tourism functional zones. Build beaches, maritime terminals and green and recreational parks by the sea.

- Area 9, comprising parts of Dai Yen and Ha Khau wards:

+ An urban area of high-class ecological services. Land area accounts for 2,196 ha, in which, 914 ha is for civil purpose and 584 ha is for non-civil purpose. Population by 2040 is estimated to be 92,000 - 100,000.

+ Orientation: Form an urban area of high-class ecological services with modern and synchronized infrastructure; develop high-quality commercial services and healthcare, educational and sports services to form an urban area at the west entrance to Ha Long; and protect mangrove forests and protection forests.

- Area 10, comprising parts of Dai Yen and Viet Hung wards:

+ An urban area undergoing renovation, consisting of forest parks and decorative lakes. Land area accounts for 4,058 ha, of which 375 ha is for civil purpose and 158 ha is for non-civil purpose. Population by 2040 is estimated to be 33,000 - 36,000.

+ Orientation: Develop space for leisure tourism ecologically connected with Yen Lap forest; conserve and beautify the entirety of Yen Lap forest and lake to form a “green lung” to the west of Ha Long. Preserve and enhance the historical and spiritual values of Loi Am pagoda; incorporate specialized museums and parks into tourism.

7. Land use orientation

Ha Long encompasses a natural area of approximately 27,753.9 ha. Orientation for planning of land use by 2040 is as follows:

a) Approximately 10,880 ha will have been allocated for urban construction by 2040, accounting for 39.2% of Ha Long’s natural area, of which:

- For civil use: 6,697 ha (constituting 61.5% of land for urban construction with a criterion of 93 m2/person), including:

+ An area of 4,425 ha for residential units, consisting of areas for public facilities, plants, fitness facilities, schools (primary and lower secondary schools), housing (renovated and new areas) and technical infrastructure.

+ An area of 254 ha for urban public facilities, including upper secondary schools, specialized hospitals, general hospitals, polyclinics, cultural houses, museums, exhibitions, theaters, circuses, children’s palaces, shopping malls and central urban markets.

+ A public area of 656 ha for greenery outside of residential units, including green and flower parks and specialized parks.

+ An area of 1,362 ha for urban traffic, including main urban axes, roads dividing the areas and connecting residential units, and interareal roads.

- An area of 4,183 ha for non-civil purpose, including 59 ha for premises of regulatory bodies; 90 ha of non-urban public land; 635 ha of multi-purpose land; 524 ha for tourism services; 1,416 for industry; 233 ha for key infrastructure; 271 ha for outbound traffic; 916 ha for greenery - hedges; and 39 ha for religious purpose.

b) Approximately 16,873 ha is allocated for other purposes, including 5, 031 ha of tourist attractions; 640 ha reserved for development; 1,072 ha for national defense; 52 ha for cemeteries; 2,947 ha of surface water; and 7,131 ha for forestry.

8. Orientation for planning of socio-economic infrastructure

a) For the industry sector: Shift from industrial manufacture and port services to industrial and industrial cluster manufacture and logistics and warehousing services with an area of approximately 1,416 ha for: developing Viet Hung industrial zone (511 ha) into a clean and hi-tech industrial zone that possesses synchronized and modern social and technical infrastructure; gradually changing Cai Lan industrial zone (305 ha) into a zone of clean and long-term industries capable of converting into an urban and port services complex; completing Ha Khanh industrial cluster (50 ha) to facilitate restructuring of small-scale industries; reclaiming opencast mines where mining has ceased and converting them into green sports parks (golf courses), tourism areas and ecological urban zones according to roadmaps; locating hedges and identifying methods for environmental protection for operating mines.

b) For commerce and service sectors: Form commercial services and shopping mall complexes at entrances to Ha Long (Minh Khai junction, Bang bridge and Ha Phong), centers of urban areas (Hon Gai, Bai Chay, Hung Thang, Tuan Chau, Gieng Day and Ha Khanh); place duty-free shops in controlled areas to promote international tourism and high-quality tourism and meet local demand. Establish market systems based on population distribution to satisfy people’s needs and serve tourism.

c) For tourism services: Boost recreational tourism, leisure travel, high-class resorts, international cruise ports, marinas and inland waterway terminals of international standards in Bai Chay - Hung Thang, cultural tourism in Hon Gai, high-quality ecotourism and leisure travel in Tuan Chau and Dai Yen, and cooperate with other localities in the vicinity to provide auxiliary tourism services. Attract investment in systems of high-quality recreational parks, hotels and resorts to provide diverse services to tourists. Allocate a land area of 524 ha to build accommodation such as resorts, hotels, hostels, etc. Develop systems of beaches and public services near Hong Gai, Hong Ha, Ha Phong, Cao Xanh, Bai Chay, Hung Thang and Tuan Chau coastal areas and so on to serve tourists and local people. Diversify tourist activities in Ha Long Bay and Cua Luc Bay.

d) For agro-forestry-fishery: Forestry land accounts for approximately 7,131 ha; shift from planting production forests to forming forest parks in Hon Gai, Bai Chay and Hung Thang. Conserve seaside mangrove forests, grow forests on reclaimed land to contribute to the urban landscape and mitigate natural disasters. Locate fishing ports in Cua Luc Bay, Ha Phong and Tuan Chau to support fishery and manage saltwater aquaculture in the bay as regulated.

dd) For premises: Renovate the provincial-level administrative center located in Hong Ha ward and the municipal-level administrative center located in Hong Gai ward; reserve land for establishment of an integrated administrative center to the north of Cua Luc Bay. Apply technology to improve the performance of public administrative services. Gradually relocate dispersed administrative bodies to governmental agency zones; use land previously allocated to such dispersed bodies for public purposes such as culture, education, healthcare, parks, parking lots, etc.

e) For housing development: Provide housing in new urban areas furnished with modern and synchronized urban infrastructure; prioritize ecological low-rises for tourism services in Dai Yen, Hung Thang hill and Tuan Chau. Provide houses for rent and social housing for migrant workers, the low-income and tourists on demand in Ha Khanh and Gieng Day wards.

g) For educational institutions: Relocate the second branch of Ha Long University to its first branch in Uong Bi; formulate the proposal on allocation of the land of said second branch for urban public purpose. Renovate and upgrade existing training institutions in Ha Long; develop upper secondary schools and preschools as appropriate to planning, scale and criteria of national standards. Conduct research on allocation of reclaimed coalmine land in Ha Lam and Ha Trung for private interdisciplinary universities. Establish upper secondary schools of international quality in Hung Thang, Dai Yen and Tuan Chau to provide high-quality education. Allocate total land area of 43.6 ha to build 22 upper secondary schools (renovate 12 existing schools and establish 10 new schools according to urban planning).

h) For healthcare and community health facilities: Distribute total land area of 44.2 ha (15.2 ha to the east and 29 ha to the west of Ha Long). Develop high-quality healthcare services for the whole province as well as Ha Long citizens; form a system of healthcare facilities in connection with medical tourism services. Build specialized and general hospitals in Dai Yen and Ha Phong, near outbound transport axes, to facilitate access of Quang Ninh citizens to those establishments. Allocate land to expand Quang Ninh general hospital and supplement medical centers according to planning, meeting the requirements of Ha Long’s development for each period of time.

i) For cultural, sports and recreational facilities: Complete provincial-level and regional-level cultural, recreational and sports facilities. Allocate an area of 70.9 ha for municipal-level sports centers according to areas of planning; promote modern surface water sports such as rowing, wakeboarding and scuba diving in Ha Long Bay; build golf courses in Hong Hai, Ha Trung, Tuan Chau, Ha Khau and Dai Yen for tourism. Establish the provincial sports training and competition center in Dai Yen ward and provincial youth cultural palace in Bach Dang ward.

k) For national defense and security: Protect existing national defense facilities and zones, and areas where construction works of national defense are to be located. Perform urban development and urban infrastructure projects in compliance with national defense objectives.

9. Urban design

- Protect and promote Ha Long Bay’s image as the signature of Ha Long metropolis. Renovate and upgrade the appearance of existing features (Bai Chay bridge, Nu Hoang aerial tramway, Mat Troi ferris wheel, museums, libraries, the exhibition center, clock tower square and Mat troi square), locate new features by the sea (Cao Xanh, Ha Phong, Cai Lan, Bai Chay, Hung Thang and Tuan Chau) and on mountains, hills and sloped land (Bai Tho, Ba Deo, Bai Chay, Hung Thang, Ha Khau and Tan Lap).

- For entrances to Ha Long: Produce modern and appealing designs for the architecture landscape of Minh Khai junction, Viet Hung, Dai Yen, Bang bridge, Ha Phong, international cruise ports in Tuan Chau, Bai Chay, Cai Lan, etc. to attract tourists and citizens to Ha Long.

- For key spatial and landscape axes: Renovate and upgrade landscape of outbound routes (Hai Phong - Ha Long - Van Don expressway and National Route 18), coastal roads (Ha Long - Cam Pha, Cao Xanh - Ha Khanh, Bai Chay, Hung Thang - Dai Yen, Ha Long Xanh) and main routes for tourism and urban purposes; design attractive landscape with smart, modern and accessible ecological public utilities and visual features for each part of the routes. Restrict large-scale development or expansion to protect the natural landscape and cultural - historical values of Ha Long. Form a number of special locations of tourism services that do not obstruct ocean views and help shape Ha Long's image seen from the sea.

- Place squares near the sea (30/4; Hong Gai, Cao Xanh, Ha Phong, Hung Thang, Tuan Chau and Cai Lan), in city center (clock tower), or linked with parks, walking streets, etc. within each functional zones to create open space for community activities. Each square shall be designed following a different theme to create diversity and appeal and supported by nearby public facilities and services.

- Strictly control high-rise construction works to ensure that they harmonize with current areal characteristics, meet development requirements, contribute to the conservation and embellishment of Ha Long Bay and suit the technical infrastructure capacity of each area. Avoid building large or high structures in mountainous areas or renovated urban areas or along coastal roads, and structures high enough to obstruct views or winds. In newly developed areas, encourage the construction of high-rises as appropriate to population control, social and technical infrastructure and applicable regulations. Facilitate construction of high-rises at intersections of urban arterial roads and main seaward routes and axes to create highlights and shape urban space.

- Encourage allocation of reclaimed land and poorly-used land to increase land area for urban development, tourism services, specialized green parks, public facilities and urban technical infrastructure.

10. Orientation for technical infrastructure planning

a) Green technical infrastructure following the smart city model

Implement green infrastructure in Ha Long and combine with scientific and technological application to establish the foundation for sustainable development and formation of an international tourism metropolis. Build centralized operations centers to operate urban technical infrastructure. Select an urban infrastructure design solution suitable to the natural features of each area, encourage use of renewable energy and materials, and avoid hardening urban surface to improve natural absorbency. Design technical infrastructure in a dispersed and self-sustaining direction that allows self-environmental remediation in each area; locate detention basins and drainage channels along drainage areas to support drainage and shape urban landscape.

b) Traffic

- Utilize Van Don and Cat Bi international airports for transport and aviation services. Locate seaplane bases in Tuan Chau, Ha Phong and Cua Luc Bay and build airport parking lots to provide high-class tourism, ensure absolute aviation safety and compliance with regulations of transport laws.

- Outbound traffic:

+ Put Yen Vien - Cai Lan railway line to use, locate a reserve railway line for Ha Long - Mong Cai railway line along Ha Long - Van Don - Mong Cai expressway to boost passenger and cargo transport.

+ Ensure safety corridors and corridors for expansion of Hai Phong - Ha Long - Van Don expressway, complete other intersections connected to Minh Khai, Viet Hung and Thong Nhat to facilitate access to central areas of Ha Long.

+ Renovate and expand National Route 18 to meet the requirements of outbound traffic and landscape of the section crossing the city. Build roads to the north of Cua Luc Bay and coastal roads crossing Cua Luc Bay to lighten load of National Route 18.

+ Upgrade Bai Chay and Tuan Chau ports and build a new port in Ha Phong to support international passenger carriage and tourism activities in Ha Long Bay. Based on the approved plan for port development, plan to develop the surroundings of Cua Luc Bay into an area comprising a general port (for cargoes, passengers and construction materials), marinas and fishing activity; cease all port activities that pollute the environment of Cua Luc Bay and Ha Long Bay.

+ Plan and build the route connecting Ha Long with Cam Pha, finish the coastal roads to the east of Ha Long (Bang bridge, Cao Xanh - Bai Chay ferry terminal, Lan Be - Cot 8, and the road connecting Cam Pha).

- Urban traffic

+ Establish a network of main urban roads to meet high traffic demand and connect large residential areas and urban-grade facilities. Upgrade and renovate existing roads; establish a new ring road with a width of 50 - 60 m to connect Ha Tu - Thong Nhat - Le Loi - Gieng Day and reduce traffic crossing Bai Chay bridge.

+ For interregional roads: Upgrade and renovate existing roads, and ensure passage and connectivity. Build interregional roads in newly planned areas and ensure the width thereof is at least 30 m.

+ For main areal roads: Establish a network of main roads for each area, ensuring a minimal distance of 300 - 500 m and the width of each road is at least 22 m.

+ For bridges and tunnels: Renovate and upgrade existing bridges to ensure size, technical composition and connectivity. Build a tunnel crossing Cua Luc Bay to connect Bai Chay and Hon Gai at a location that is convenient and connected with main urban roads.

+ For maritime transport: Locate cruise ports and harbors in seaside public facility clusters and tourist attractions to support maritime transport. Develop the maritime transport system into a signature mode of transport for tourism in Ha Long.

- Transport hubs

+ For coach stations: Build 2 new stations (Gieng Day station with an area of 3.2 ha; and Eastern station with an area of 2.2 ha). Renovate Bai Chay station into an intraprovincial coach station cum public parking lot.

+ For parking lots: Concentrate parking lots at focal transport points and major tourist attractions to meet parking demand from tourists and tour groups, and to support streamlining of private vehicles in travel seasons. The areas shall provide on-site parking lots based on demand and ensure that each driver is allocated 4m2. Place underground or surface parking lots near shopping malls, health facilities, parks, squares, and service, sports and recreational premises. Prioritize underground and multi-storey parking structures for central wards.

- For public transport: Promote urban railway, bus and electric car systems and eco-friendly modes of public transport to connect functional zones. Utilize the Quang Ninh buses that run through Ha Long and operate new intracity buses to serve public transport and tourists. Build urban monorails to connect Ha Long - Cam Pha - Van Don - Uong Bi and Ha Long - Hoanh Bo. Encourage use of modern forms of transport in crowded locations such as parks, squares, shopping malls, etc.; put into use clean energy vehicles such as electric cars and bicycles and public bicycles and watercrafts.

- For research on location of aerial tramways: The aerial tramway connecting Bai Chay with Ba Deo area (Nu Hoang aerial tramway), aerial tramways to Loi Am pagoda, to Bai Tho peak, etc. to boost tourism.

c) Foundation height in construction

Plan foundation heights of urban areas as commensurate to existing rain drainage systems, utilize topography, and prioritize retention of current greenery and surface water areas. Devise solutions for safety assurance and landslide prevention for areas at high risk (mines and areas surrounding mountainous, hilly or sloped land; seaside areas, etc.) under climate change and sea level rise scenarios. For stabilized areas, when new construction works are located in-between existing structures, maintain the established base level or only regrade the construction site as appropriate to current construction and areal conditions, ensuring areal drainage is not disturbed. Adopt technical solutions such as revetment walls, drainage trenches and seawalls; flexible solutions such as using nets to counteract waves, planting mangrove forest, etc. in areas with unstable land level; and revetment walls and retaining walls for mines and areas surrounding mountainous, hilly or sloped land.

For newly established seaside areas in Hung Thang, Ha Khau, Dai Yen, Viet Hung, Tuan Chau, etc., the minimal foundation height for residential areas is at least 3.5 m; at least 3.7m for industrial zones; and at least 3.0m for green parks. Build seawalls to protect seaside construction works at a height suitable to current state of climate change and sea level rise.

For newly established areas in Ha Khanh, Ha Lam, Ha Phong, Ha Trung and Ha Tu, build new structures according to areal topography, and regrade land to form level bases in industrial zones, warehouses, yards and coalmines.

For coal mines, to reclaim land, reduce steepness, form level bases and plant trees to prevent washaway and landslide when land is being allocated for another purpose.

d) Surface water drainage

- Newly built rain drainage systems must ensure complete drainage in each drainage area. Build separate rain drainage systems in newly established areas and semi-separate systems in existing areas.

- Discharge water from surface water drainage systems in drainage areas to open channels and detention basins first and then to Cua Luc Bay and Ha Long Bay. On major drainage axes, encourage situating reservoirs at convenient locations to reduce the cross section of drainage pipes, retain water for non-domestic purpose, and improve areal microclimate conditions.

- Regularly renovate channel and sewers; periodically dredge and build embankments for the sections by the sea, rivers, streams and lakes of each area, and build retaining walls at locations at high risk of landslides.

dd) Power and energy supply

- Power demand will have reached 939MW (equivalent to 900MVA) by 2030; and 1.362MW (equivalent to 1.300MVA) by 2040.

- Consume power from the national grid distributed by local substations (500KV Quang Ninh, 220KV Hoanh Bo, 220KV Quang Ninh, 110KV Giap Khau, 110KV Ha Tu, 110KV Gieng Day, 110 KV Cai Lan and 110KV Cai Dam substations and the 110KV substation for Ha Lam Coal) and build new substations in newly developed areas (220KV Ha Long, 110KV Cao Thang, 110KV Hung Thang, 110KV Viet Hung industrial zone, 110KV Tuan Chau, 110KV Yen Cu substations, etc.).

- High-voltage power grids.

+ 220KV grids: Build a 220KV double-circuit transmission line of 14 km for thermal power stations in Quang Ninh - Ha Long.

+ 110KV grids: Build new 110KV transmission lines (Ha Long - Giap Khau, Ha Long - Ha Lam Coal, Giap Khau - Cao Thang, and branches heading for substations such as Hung Thang, Tuan Chau, Yen Cu, etc.).

- For medium-voltage power grids (22KV and 35KV): Move or upgrade existing 35KV transmission lines that are unsuitable to those of 22KV and situate them along planned routes and in new urban areas; and, in the central area, establish new 22KV grids or renovate the old ones and place them underground.

- For low-voltage power grids: Build new low-voltage grids in urban areas and central areas and locate them in standard underground trenches; and build distribution substations in central areas, tourism areas and new urban areas using distribution kiosks.

- For urban lighting: Renovate, upgrade and promote all forms of urban lighting, including lighting for transport facilities, lighting for public facilities, and lighting for advertisements, festivals, etc. Employ an automatic control system, focusing on the urban public lighting system.

e) Post and telecommunications

- Improve quality of the post network, incorporate provision of public-utility services and commercial services to meet social development requirements.

- Further deploy systems of information technological applications across all socio-economic areas to serve people.

- Upgrade switching technology. Focus on development of IT infrastructure towards modernization, high speed, and high bandwidth, ensuring information safety, network security and efficiency of cloud computing application to catch up with global trends.

- Conduct research and invest in IT zones and software parks in connection with centers of storage, processing and provision of data and IT services to the market.

- Build a synchronized transmission network with reserve capacity to ensure safety in case of demand surge during festival seasons or natural disasters or incidents. Plan to build 06 new hosts in addition to Ha Long's existing hosts for long-term operation until 2050. Form a foundation for data transmission infrastructure to deploy the smart city model in Ha Long.

g) Water supply

Plan 2 water supply systems to the east and the west of Ha Long.

- For the east of Ha Long:

Total water demand by 2030 is 75,000 m3/24-hour; by 2040 is 90,000 m3/24-hour. Tap into water sources of Cao Van lake and Luong Ky lake.

For key water supply facilities:

+ Upgrade Dien Vong water treatment plant to ensure a water supply capacity of 50,000 m3/24-hour for east Ha Long.

+ Upgrade Hoanh Bo water treatment plant to ensure a water supply capacity of 10,000 m3/24-hour for east Ha Long.

+ Build Luong Ky water treatment plant to ensure a water supply capacity of 30,000 m3/24-hour for east Ha Long.

For the water supply network: Add 01 route of water mains with a diameter of 700 mm from Dien Vong plant. Build a route of water mains with a diameter of 600 mm from Luong Ky plant. Continue to use the current network of water mains and ensure that it is maintained, its capacity is upgraded and wastage is prevented; implement the grid water distribution system for existing areas and new urban areas.

- For the west of Ha Long:

Total water demand by 2030 is 80,000 m3/24-hour; by 2040 is 105,000 m3/24-hour. Tap into water sources of Thac Nhoong dam across Khe Cai river (Cai lake is to be built across Khe Cai river) and Yen Lap lake.

+ For key facilities:

. Upgrade Dong Ho water treatment plant to ensure a water supply capacity of 20,000 m3/24-hour for west Ha Long.

. Upgrade Yen Lap water treatment plant to ensure a water supply capacity of 60,000 m3/24-hour for west Ha Long.

. Upgrade Dong Dang water treatment plant to ensure a water supply capacity of 30,000 m3/24-hour for west Ha Long.

+ For the water supply network: Add 02 routes of water mains with a diameter of 600 mm from Yen Lap plant and a route of water mains with a diameter of 500 mm from Dong Ho plant. Continue to use the current network of water mains and ensure that it is maintained, its capacity is upgraded and wastage is prevented; expand the grid water distribution system for existing areas and new urban areas.

h) Wastewater collection and treatment

- Total volume of wastewater to be collected and treated by 2040 is approximately 135,000 m3/24-hour.

- For household wastewater:

For residential areas with existing combined sewer systems, build semi-separate drainage systems (separate sewer systems) to separate and carry wastewater to treatment facilities; for new areas, build new separate sewer systems. Ha Long is divided into 06 drainage areas as follows:

+ East Ha Long is divided into 2 major areas:

. Area 1: Central of Hon Gai. Wastewater is collected and carried to Ha Khanh treatment facility, whose capacity is expected to reach 34,000 m3/24-hour by 2040

. Area 2: East of Hon Gai. Wastewater is collected and carried to Ha Phong treatment facility, whose capacity is expected to reach 14,000 m3/24-hour by 2040.

+ West Ha Long is divided into 4 major areas:

. Area 1: Central area of Bai Chay. Wastewater is collected and carried to Ha Khau treatment facility, whose capacity is expected to reach 21,000 m3/24-hour by 2040. The existing Bai Chay treatment facility will cease its operation once Ha Khau facility is put into use.

. Area 2: Viet Hung ward. Wastewater is collected and carried to Viet Hung treatment facility, whose capacity is expected to reach 6,000 m3/24-hour by 2040.

. Area 2: West of Dai Yen. Wastewater is collected and carried to Dai Yen 1 treatment facility, whose capacity is expected to reach 10,000 m3/24-hour by 2040.

. Area 4: East of Dai Yen. Wastewater is collected and carried to Dai Yen 2 treatment facility, whose capacity is expected to reach 9,000 m3/24-hour by 2040.

+ Projects on tourism, service and urban development away from city center, construction projects performed before Ha Long’s drainage system is finished and tourist watercrafts operating around the Bay(s) must have their own wastewater collection and treatment systems.

- For industrial wastewater:

+ For industrial zones and clusters: Wastewater shall be preliminarily treated in the plant and then treated in the combined wastewater treatment facility of the industrial zone according to the quality parameters specified in column A of the national technical regulation QCVN 40:2011 before discharge.

+ For mining wastewater: Build treatment facilities based on wastewater’s characteristics (household or industrial wastewater) and areal conditions to ensure wastewater is treated according to applicable standards before discharge.

- For healthcare wastewater: Healthcare wastewater shall be collected and treated separately in each hospital according to the national technical regulation QCVN28/2010/BTNMT before discharged to the combined collection system.

i) Solid waste collection and treatment

Planning for solid waste collection and treatment.

Total amount of solid waste is estimated to reach 1,154 tonne/24-hour by 2040.

- All types of solid waste must be classified at the source of generation. Hazardous industrial and healthcare solid waste must be collected and transported separately.

- Collected solid waste shall be treated in the provincial integrated solid waste treatment facility located in Hoanh Bo district.

k) Cemetery planning and management

Do not place new cemeteries within the city limit; identify and close existing cemeteries in Ha Long (Deo Sen, Ha Khau, Ha Tu, etc.). For small and dispersed cemeteries lacking space for separation or located in an area under planning, formulate plans for their closure or planting hedges. Merge such cemeteries with municipal cemeteries if the land thereof is put to different use. Renovate existing funeral parlors and build new ones in each area according to local demand.

l) Underground technical infrastructure and space

Develop underground space under public facilities, service facilities and high-rise buildings connected to parking lots and underground pedestrian tunnels to create fully formed underground space serving citizens and tourists in key urban areas.

Build a tunnel crossing Cua Luc Bay to connect private and public transport between the 2 sides of the Bay; place underground parking lots at locations linked to underground public construction works and apartment buildings; prioritize building underground walkways connecting commercial zones and services zones and at major intersections on National Route 18, coastal roads and in densely populated urban areas.

Replace underground lines and pipes mainly for transmission purpose soon to be relocated to major tunnels with underground technical infrastructure, and locate such infrastructure along National Route 18, coastal roads, interregional routes, intraregional roads, and residential roads capable of accommodating distribution tunnels, underground trenches, cable ducts, etc. connected to in-use facilities.

11. Urban economy

a) Prioritized investment projects and programs for each period of time:

- For the 2019 - 2020 period: Complete the system of management tools for urban architecture planning; finish the urban infrastructure framework and scheme for green urban development linked with the smart urban model; complete routes and junctions connected with the Ha Long - Van Don expressway and Cua Luc tunnel; and on-going tourism infrastructure projects in Bai Chay, Hung Thang and Tuan Chau.

- For the 2021 - 2030 period: Enhance seaside spatial quality; finish building coastal routes, seaside public services and public space; expand the city to the east (Ha Phong), the west (Dai Yen) and establish further connection with the north of Cua Luc Bay (Hoanh Bo). Renovate existing urban areas, improve efficiency of land use; develop urban traffic such as Cua Luc tunnel, urban railways, public transport routes and forms of maritime transport to strengthen connection between the areas; improve social infrastructure to meet criteria for class-1 city and aim for international standards, and design infrastructure to serve both the city and tourism.

- For the 2031 - 2040 period: Expand connection with adjacent areas such as Hoanh Bo, Quang Yen and Cam Pha to harmonize spatial development according to the principles of preservation and enhancement of Ha Long Bay’s values. Utilize zones of transition such as Cai Lan, coalmines and manufacture establishments to build facilities for urban services, urban parks and supplement development space for Ha Long. Attract investment in notable architectural works.

b) Formulate and propose specific and appealing policies and mechanisms to diversify domestic and international resources for development of Ha Long and tourism services.

12. Strategic environmental assessment

Adopt synchronized solutions to protect the environment of Ha Long Bay and Cua Luc Bay. Protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity, especially the ecosystem of the mangrove forests surrounding Cua Luc Bay, Dai Yen and Quang Yen, and coral ecosystems in Ha Long Bay; and reclaim mines.

Reduce coal mining, industrial manufacture and cargo transport to mitigate pollution in Ha Long and protect Ha Long Bay.

Strictly control urban construction, especially the projects in in-use tidal flats and flattened mountainous areas to protect the environment and landscape and prevent impact to the urban environment.

Implement climate change adaptation measures to respond to the adverse impacts of climate change. Apply science and technology; formulate climate change adaptation plans; develop plans for prevention and combat of environmental disasters, especially in industrial development zones surrounding Cua Luc Bay, operating areas of tourist watercrafts and mining zones; and identify ecological protection zones, biodiversity conservation zones and landscape protection zones.

13. Regulation on management of general planning design

The regulation on management of the general planning design for Ha Long by 2040 with vision towards 2050 is promulgated together with this Decision.

Article 2. Implementation

1. Responsibilities of the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh:

- Publicly announce the planning design.

- Review and formulate areal planning, detailed planning, urban design in consistency with the amended design for general planning of Ha Long by 2040 with vision towards 2050 that has been approved.

- Formulate and promulgate the regulation on management of Ha Long’s architecture planning, providing the basis for management of construction in Ha Long.

- Develop mechanisms and policies related to finance and land to perform prioritized investment projects.

2. Based on the approved planning, relevant ministries, regulatory bodies and localities shall cooperate with the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh in locally deploying sectorial planning, construction planning and urban planning to ensure consistency and synchronization.

3. Take charge and cooperate with relevant ministries, regulatory bodies and localities in amending the general planning of Ha Long by 2040 with vision towards 2050 to ensure consistency with the land use planning approved by the Government.

Article 3.This Decision takes effect from the date on which it is signed.

The Minister of Construction, Chairperson of the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh and heads of relevant bodies shall implement this Decision./.