Da Nang begins crackdown on littering, unveils fines   Paragliders on a beach in Da Nang. The central city has launched a campaign to fight against littering on local beaches. Photo: Nguyen Tu Da Nang authorities have launched an anti-litter campaign that will fine people caught leaving their trash on the city's beaches. Under the campaign launched on July 20, a carelessly tossed cigarette butt can cost VND100,000 (US$4.6). Other kinds of littering will face double that while public urination will be fined of up to VND300,000. The campaign will go on until September 30 on the stretch from Pham Van Dong Park to Sao Bien Beach. It will be reviewed before being adopted permanently, according to the Da Nang Beaches and Son Tra Peninsula Management. Authorities have put up warning signs with the quantum of fines on these beaches. The police, environment inspectors and beach management officials will coordinate for the crackdown. Fines will be slapped on the spot or later based on images caught on camera. People refusing to pay the fine or opposing officials on duty will face administrative or criminal action. The campaign comes amid criticism over the bad habit of littering beaches that was exacerbated last week by photos of two foreigners cleaning Cat Ba Beach in Hai Phong. An official at the Da Nang Beaches and Son Tra Peninsula Management, who asked to be unnamed, was quoted by news website VnExpress as saying authorities are not looking to fill the city’s coffers. “We want to raise people’s awareness of keeping the environment clean. The punishment will be enforced thoroughly to deter violations.” Thanh Nien News