The To Lich River seriously polluted (Photo by Huu Nghi)

The Yen Xa wastewater treatment plant began partial operations in December last year and is scheduled to be fully operational by 2027.

Meanwhile, several projects to restore the To Lich River are still underway, including the Lien Mac pumping station, which aims to prevent flooding and divert water from the Red River into the Nhue and To Lich rivers.

The municipal People’s Committee forecasted that the replenishment of Red River water for the Nhue and To Lich rivers, in line with the drainage planning for Hanoi by 2030 and a vision to 2050 approved by the Prime Minister, may not be completed as scheduled.

Therefore, it is essential to prioritise the restoration of the To Lich River to address the pollution. In the dry season, the river often exposes its muddy bottom, exacerbating pollution and undermining urban aesthetics.

Once approved by the Prime Minister, the VND 550-billion project will help pump water from the Red River into the To Lich River. The investment will be sourced from the city’s budget.

The capital has pledged to finish the project before September this year.

The Government Office has urged that the Ministers of Construction, Planning and Investment, and Natural Resources and Environment submit their opinions on Hanoi’s proposal by January 10.

Since 2009, Hanoi has taken various projects worth a total of VND30 trillion (USD1.18 billion) to restore the To Lich River, but they have not yet met expectations.