The first phase of dredging the riverbed, covering a 7-kilometre section from Hoang Quoc Viet Street to Khuong Dinh Bridge, has been finished, according to the Hanoi Department of Construction.
To Lich River is facing serious pollution (Photo by Huu Nghi)
Meanwhile, the second phase, spanning 5 kilometres from Khuong Dinh Bridge to Long Quang Pagoda, is expected to be completed in August.
Of the 63 outflows along the To Lich River, including new ones from Hoang Quoc Viet to the regulating dam, 19 have been connected. The rest are underway and slated for completion in July, with landscape restoration to follow in August.
The Department of Construction has assigned the Technical Infrastructure Management Centre and contractors to maintain greenery along Lang Road and To Lich River.
To replenish To Lich River, Hanoi will initially use treated water from the West Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant. In the long term, the city is working with consultants on a plan to draw water from the Red River.
Wards along the To Lich River have been urged to complete all bank upgrades by August 30.
Hanoi has requested a thorough study to ensure that West Lake can supply enough water to the To Lich River, with careful analysis to avoid disrupting its hydrology and environment.
Hanoi leaders emphasised the need to coordinate with the regulating dam near the downstream area of the Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment Plant to provide additional water for the To Lich River.
Concerned agencies have been asked to closely assess the total investment, component costs, operations, and maintenance for the plan to draw water from the Red River to replenish West Lake and the To Lich River.
Since 2009, Hanoi has launched multiple efforts to revive the To Lich River, but results have fallen short. Around VND 30 trillion (USD 1.14 billion) has been spent on cleanup projects with limited success.
At a working session with Hanoi authorities in November last year, General Secretary To Lam emphasised the immediate priority of addressing the To Lich River’s water pollution.
