Hanoi authorities have said that the metro station by Hoan Kiem Lake would have no impact at all on the area.

Hanoi authorities called for public opinions in March

The debate over the location of Hoan Kiem metro station is ongoing. The station in on Metro Line 2 connecting Bac Tu Liem District to the city's centre. When it was proposed that the station would be placed by Hoan Kiem Lake, some people suggested it would affect nearby historic buildings.

On October 25, Hanoi Urban Railway Management Board said that Hanoi People's Committee had submitted official document to the prime minister. The document states that Metro Line 2 with an underground section running through the Old Quarter and Dinh Tien Hoang Street met the approved plans agreed since 2004.

According to the Heritage Law, the designated heritage protection Zone 1 is the innermost area around the historical structures and constructions are prohibited. However, both the station and the tunnel will be built in Zone 2 which surrounds Zone 1.

The authorities also said they had considered possible risks. The authorities confirmed that the project uses modern technology and Hoan Kiem Lake as well as Ngoc Son Temple would be safe.

The Japanese ODA-funded route is 11.5 kilometres long, including 8.5 kilometres put underground, and has ten stations.

Lao Dong/Dtinews