Hanoi authorities have allowed to postpone closure of Van Dien cemetery on July 15, instead of July 1.

US$83.3 million to build cemetery-park

The Van Dien cemetery.

After July 15, this cemetery will no longer accept first burials but incineration. Old tombs will be exhumed and moved to other places after three years.

Hanoi has expanded Yen Ky and Vinh Hang cemeteries in Ba Vi district to replace Van Dien. Vinh Hang cemetery is now available to use.

Having existed for nearly five decades, the 18 hectare Van Dien cemetery is located in Thanh Tri district. It currently has around 20,000 tombs.

For over one decade, this cemetery has caused serious pollution to the surrounding area. Thanh Tri district asked Hanoi authorities to stop burial in this cemetery many years ago but until now it is implemented.

Van Dien will have four more incinerators and be upgraded into a cemetery-park.

PV