Environmental Awareness Through Art: Manhole Cover Paintings

From old, neglected manhole covers, the hands of a group of students have transformed them into fascinating, colorful paintings that spread environmental awareness among the public.

Since early October, along Truong Sa street in Phu Nhuan district, Ho Chi Minh City, passersby have noticed young people diligently decorating manhole covers from dawn to dusk. This group includes Duong Quoc Thang and Pham Dinh Hai Quan from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts, and Tran To Quyen from the University of Technology…

Despite the city’s unpredictable weather of sunny mornings and rainy afternoons, the group perseveres. Hai Quan shares, “We start painting early in the morning and take shelter under the eaves of houses when it rains heavily. We’re determined to complete the manhole covers, not only to beautify the streets but also to encourage people not to litter.”

Under the young artists’ hands, whimsical paintings with meaningful messages like “Release fish, not trash” or “Be ashamed of litter on the streets” have appeared on manhole covers along the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe canal, attracting attention and reminding everyone about environmental consciousness and promoting a green city lifestyle.

Local resident Vu Duy Chinh from Ward 7, Phu Nhuan District, praises the initiative: “I’m thrilled with such projects. They not only beautify the streets but also help in reducing littering.”

The young artists, in collaboration with the People’s Committee of Ward 2, Phu Nhuan District, have undertaken this beautification project. “We plan to paint three large murals along Truong Sa Street to prevent graffiti. We will also promote the planting of greenery around the canal to develop a green, clean, and beautiful neighborhood,” adds Tran Huu Thien, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ward 2, Phu Nhuan District.

Previously a “hotspot” for littering and illegal dumping, the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe canal area is now brightened with colorful, environmentally themed paintings on manhole covers. These images are a gentle reminder to preserve the environment and contribute to the city’s aesthetics.

(Source: Tuổi Trẻ)