The campaign “Duong Tao Quan” or Road of Kitchen Gods started on January 20, with the participation of 120 volunteers.

They target “hot spots” like Long Bien Bridge, Hoan Kiem Lake, Den and Trang Lakes which often attract many of people who come to release carps, but also leave litter and ash behind them.

Several volunteers carry signs saying “Tha Ca Dung Tha Tui Nilon” or “Carp release, no plastic bag littering” to attract attention while others help people to release carps, collecting plastic bags and discarded offerings.

Volunteers on Long Bien Bridge

“20 volunteers were assigned to areas along Long Bien Bridge on normal days from January 20 -22. But the number of volunteers will increase to 40 during the Kitchen Gods’ Day, January 23. Our activities start at 8am and end at 6pm,” Lai Manh Cuong, a volunteer said.Several volunteers take along buckets to gather the fish so they are not thrown over the bridge.

Previous years left a lot of litter 

The volunteers, mostly students, have been planning the campaign for two months.

“Most of people support our activities while a few don’t. Some even called us names,” said Hoang Thi Thuong, a volunteer from Hanoi Medical University.