A resident is caught throwing rubbish into the West Lake in Hanoi on January 20, 2025. 

The Tay Ho District People's Committee announced on Tuesday that they have issued fines against two local people for dumping used altars and incense bowls into the West Lake.

"Their illegal activities were found on January 20 and the two residents were given a fine of VND1.50 million each," the committee said.

Several days ago, police in Tay Ho District also issued fines against four residents for littering on a local street and on the West Lake.

According to deputy head of the West Lake Management Board, Nguyen Hung Quoc, local people usually dump used worship objects into rivers and lakes, believing their ancestors would feel settled.

A large amount of waste includes used altars, incense bowls, and worship statues, have been dumped into the lake by local people.

This has badly polluted the environment and seriously affected the scenery here," the official said. "We're working with local authorities to raise people's awareness on the issue to prevent such activities in the future.

In December last year, dozens of environment workers were sent to collect the waste that had been dumped into the lake as the water recedes during the dry weather.

Environment workers collect the waste that had been dumped into the lake in December 2024.

 According to the West Lake management board, the water level on the lake has sharply decreased over the past month, revealing lots of rubbish in the lake bed.

"A large amount of waste, including used altars, incense bowls, and worship statues, have been dumped into the lake by local people," the board said.