Hanoi is preparing to launch a major project to build a riverside park along both banks of the To Lich River. Citizens hope this long-polluted river will be revived as a green, clean space that enhances the city’s landscape and improves quality of life.

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Residents hope the new riverside park will transform To Lich River into a fresh green space. Photo: Thach Thao

The Hanoi People’s Committee recently approved a list of eight major projects expected to break ground on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2025). Among them is the investment project to build a riverside park along the To Lich River, aimed at transforming the polluted waterway into a green, ecological, and cultural highlight for the community.

On the morning of September 20, treated water from the Yen Xa wastewater treatment plant began being discharged into the To Lich River at a rate of around 200,000 cubic meters per day. Earlier, on September 9, water from West Lake was also redirected to the river via a separate pipeline system, isolated from untreated wastewater.

Public expectations for a new green space in Hanoi

The news has been welcomed by many VietNamNet readers. Spanning over 13 kilometers, the To Lich River was once a cultural symbol closely tied to Hanoi’s identity but has long been plagued by severe pollution. The groundbreaking of a riverside park project, along with environmental restoration efforts, is seen as a chance to “revive” the river and restore its role as a cultural, historical, and environmental landmark of the capital.

Nguyen Van Dung, a resident of Cau Giay, shared: “Having lived next to the To Lich River for years, we’ve endured constant pollution and foul odors. Now that the city has begun cleaning the river, we hope the park will be built soon to improve our living conditions.”

Another resident from Hoang Mai Ward believes the project goes beyond aesthetics: “If built according to plan, this will be a green corridor stretching dozens of kilometers - bringing long-term benefits to the capital.”

“This is good news for everyone,” another reader commented. “But the design must meet clear criteria: it must be clean, practical, easy to maintain, and accessible for upgrades. Wide sidewalks, scenic walkways, guardrails along both banks, park benches, lighting, and shade trees like flamboyant, crape myrtle, or golden trumpet trees should be included. In spacious areas, it would be great to add playgrounds, public squares, monuments, or service zones.”

Nguyen Hoang Tuan of Ngoc Ha Ward raised practical concerns: “The current V-shaped riverbed is too steep and narrow, looking more like a drainage canal. If the riverbed is dredged and widened a bit to expand the water surface - without making it too deep - it will appear more natural and harmonious.”

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Aerial view of the To Lich River. Photo: Thach Thao

He added: “Despite the sewage system being improved, some open drains are still too low. If there’s a heavy rain and the river rises by a meter, these could overflow and cause serious pollution.”

Thanh Huong, another reader, expressed excitement: “Reviving the To Lich River is a huge win for the city. Residents will have a new place to relax and exercise after work. It will beautify the landscape and freshen the air. Just like in Japan or South Korea, where dead rivers were successfully restored and became top tourist destinations.”

However, many readers also emphasized that the project’s success depends on community involvement and transparency. They hope the park will remain true to its original public purpose, and not be turned into a commercial space with restaurants, wedding centers, or supermarkets that reduce green space.

Pham Thi Hanh of Thanh Xuan District wrote: “We hope the city maintains the spirit of a public park. It should be a place for walking, exercise, and community activities - not another location for private businesses.”

From an expert perspective, Dr. Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association, told VietNamNet that Hanoi’s plan to develop a riverside park along the To Lich River is a welcome move. However, he urged the city to incorporate comprehensive urban planning for both riverbanks and consider using designs from previous Japanese-funded projects for Hanoi.

“Hanoi should conduct fresh research, but also build on past experience,” Nghiem said. “New plans must be grounded in historical context and informed by past lessons. While the To Lich River is an important feature, it is only one piece of a city with over a thousand years of history. We must avoid cramming all of our historical memory into this single corridor.”

Y Nhuy