Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Construction, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to coordinate with the Hanoi People's Committee in expediting the necessary procedures for the To Lich River restoration project.

The Government Office recently released a directive from the Deputy Prime Minister regarding the investment and construction of a water diversion system to channel water from the Red River into the To Lich River.

According to the directive, addressing pollution at its root and revitalizing rivers, especially the To Lich River, is an urgent priority to improve the environment, preserve cultural heritage, and safeguard public health.

The Hanoi People's Committee has been instructed to promptly implement the water replenishment project for the To Lich River, particularly as 100% of wastewater along the river is now being diverted to the Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment Plant and is no longer discharged back into the river.

Integrated approach to river restoration

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasized that transferring water from the Red River to the To Lich River should be synchronized with urban planning, wastewater collection, stormwater management, and riverbank revitalization. The project should not only enhance environmental conditions but also maximize economic and cultural benefits.

He affirmed that the Hanoi People's Committee has full authority to approve and execute the emergency public investment project within its jurisdiction, following the principle of "local decision-making, local implementation, local accountability."

In cases where emergency public investment procedures are applied, the municipal government must ensure that the economic and technical plans guarantee efficiency, sustainability, and prevent any financial waste or mismanagement of public assets.

Technology and safety considerations

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha also underscored the importance of studying sediment filtration methods to minimize silt accumulation from the Red River and ensure the effective use of treated water. One alternative approach is to retain and reuse treated water within the To Lich River rather than discharging it back into the Red River.

Additionally, Hanoi must conduct environmental impact assessments and implement safety measures to protect infrastructure at the water intake site and along the pipeline route.

The Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Construction, and Natural Resources and Environment have been tasked with actively supporting Hanoi in expediting procedures related to dike management, construction, water resources, and environmental regulations to ensure the project's timely execution.

Project details and implementation timeline

Previously, Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Tran Sy Thanh approved a plan to construct a pipeline from a floodgate on the dike along Vo Chi Cong Street, directing water into the To Lich River at Hoang Quoc Viet Street.

The city plans to build a pumping station with a capacity of 3–5 cubic meters per second at the Red River’s floodplain in Phu Thuong Ward, Tay Ho District, to supply water to the To Lich River. A 45-meter-long section of the dike will be excavated to install a box culvert with internal pipelines.

Along Vo Chi Cong Street, a water distribution system will be installed to direct water through alleys at 685 Lac Long Quan (near Lotte Mall Tay Ho) and 612 Lac Long Quan into Dam Bay Lake for pre-treatment before entering West Lake.

The pipeline from the dike to the To Lich River’s headwaters will stretch approximately 5.3 kilometers, with an estimated budget of VND 550 billion (about USD 22 million). Hanoi has committed to completing the project before September 2025.

Quang Phong