Officials emphasize that the project will not only restore the river’s ecosystem but also contribute to the broader effort of improving the capital’s urban waterways.

Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Tran Sy Thanh has directed municipal agencies to implement a two-phase plan to channel water from the Red River into the To Lich River to improve its landscape and environment.

The Hanoi People's Committee Office has issued a notice summarizing Chairman Tran Sy Thanh's conclusions from a meeting on February 4 regarding the plan to replenish the To Lich River with water.

Based on reports from relevant departments, Chairman Thanh has instructed a comprehensive review of all wastewater discharge points along the To Lich River. The city aims to enhance the wastewater collection system and direct sewage to the Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The Hanoi Department of Construction and related agencies have been tasked with researching and constructing weirs along the To Lich River, particularly at the confluence near Long Quang Pagoda. These structures will be integrated into the ongoing Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment System project.

Chairman Thanh also assigned the Department of Construction to collaborate with the Hanoi Drainage Company to conduct a comprehensive dredging of the To Lich River, with substantial completion expected by August 2025.

In the initial phase of the water replenishment project, Tay Ho District authorities will work with the Department of Construction to evaluate the feasibility of diverting Red River water into the To Lich River.

Specifically, the chairman has instructed officials to urgently propose a plan for utilizing water from the Red River and treated water from the West Lake wastewater treatment plant. The treated water would first flow into West Lake via an intermediary reservoir (Sen Lake) to ensure no negative impact on the lake’s ecosystem.

The Department of Construction has also been directed to study and recommend a method for using West Lake water as a supplementary source for the To Lich River when necessary. This would involve water flow through the Tay Ho A Regulating Gate, Cong Do, and Thuy Khue Canal, with implementation scheduled for completion by August 2025.

For the long term, Chairman Thanh has assigned the Department of Construction, in coordination with Tay Ho District authorities, to review related urban planning policies and develop a sustainable plan to divert Red River water into the To Lich River. This plan will utilize the Vo Chi Cong Road corridor and integrate with the short-term water replenishment efforts to ensure both the To Lich River and West Lake maintain stable water levels.

To ensure water quality, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, in coordination with Tay Ho District authorities, will regularly monitor and assess the treated water from the West Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant. This process will ensure that all discharged water meets regulatory environmental standards.

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Quang Phong