Officials from the Ministry of Environment, together with local authorities, are conducting urgent environmental protection interventions to help safeguard public health and environmental hygiene in areas hosting displaced people, as Cambodia continues to suffer from Thai attacks.
Ministry spokesperson Khvay Atitya said that, inspired by the spirit of “Khmer helping Khmer”, Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth has deployed working teams to the field to protect public health and prevent environmental pollution in the local communities and sanctuaries affected by Thai shelling along the Cambodia–Thailand border provinces.
The teams include 60 leaders and technical officials from the ministry. They are divided into 14 operational teams, each assigned to a specific target area.
The teams are working in cooperation with local authorities and security forces to carry out emergency environmental protection measures and tcollect samples for analysis of chemical substances and potentially toxic smoke. They were joined by officials from provincial Departments of Environment, beginning December 12. The affected provinces include Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pailin, Pursat, Siem Reap and Koh Kong.
Atitya added that the officials have been equipped with specialised tools for field operations, including air quality monitoring equipment, air sampling devices, chemical and toxic smoke detection devices, water quality testing equipment and personal protective equipment.
“From the start of operations through December 16, air quality measurements of PM2.5 were found to be within standard levels in areas where displaced people are living in the affected provinces. Likewise, water quality testing in displacement areas showed results within standards suitable for public health and biodiversity,” he said.
The teams are continuing to collect collecting samples for further analysis at environmental laboratories.
To ensure improved management of waste and solid residues, the ministry has provided garbage bins and waste transportation equipment to the provincial administrations affected by Thai aggression, for distribution to various safety centres in their localities. These include 350 garbage bins, a garbage truck and 25 garbage-collecting motorcycles.
In addition, the teams are working alongside provincial environment department officials to conduct environmental hygiene education and awareness campaigns, promoting proper waste disposal, waste separation, health care and avoidance of burning waste or plastic to the displaced communities.
At this time, according to the ministry, its leaders and civil servants at all levels remain steadfast in their confidence in the Royal Government of Cambodia and its brave and heroic armed forces. They are contributing encouragement and support to Cambodian troops stationed along the Cambodia–Thailand border to protect territorial integrity, while also helping prevent environmental pollution and ensuring clean, hygienic and healthy living conditions for the public — especially displaced civilians.
