Hanoi’s Department of Construction has outlined two proposed routes for a pipeline to channel water from the Red River into To Lich River to enhance its environment.

The department recently presented a report detailing plans to urgently replenish To Lich River’s water supply. This project aligns with the city’s current environmental needs and is considered a priority. Both central and local authorities have directed its implementation, garnering significant public attention in the capital.

To supplement water for To Lich River and West Lake, the department proposes building a pumping station along the Red River and an associated pipeline system. The pumping station would be located outside the dike on the right bank of the Red River in Phu Thuong Ward, Tay Ho District, near Nhat Tan Bridge but outside its protected corridor.

The proposed water pipeline would pass under the An Duong Vuong levee near Nhat Tan Bridge. The department, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has discussed technical measures for routing the pipeline through the levee and connecting the Red River to To Lich River.

Two route options

The first option involves constructing a water pipeline from the Red River levee through Vo Chi Cong Street to the head of To Lich River, near the culvert under Hoang Quoc Viet Street. Along Vo Chi Cong Street, water distribution points would direct water via pipelines along Lane 685 Lac Long Quan (near Lotte Mall Tay Ho) and Lane 612 Lac Long Quan to Dam Bay Lake for treatment before channeling it into West Lake.

The second option proposes routing the pipeline from the levee, along Vo Chi Cong Street, to Lotte Mall Tay Ho. It would then connect through Lane 685 and Lane 612 Lac Long Quan into Dam Bay Lake, which serves as a conduit for replenishing West Lake. From there, an underground pipeline beneath West Lake would channel water from Dam Bay Lake to To Lich River at the Hoang Quoc Viet culvert.

The first option offers a more direct route, with the pipeline running independently and entirely along the sidewalk of Vo Chi Cong Street.

The second option has the advantage of a shorter construction route and utilizes the existing TE3 canal to connect to West Lake.

After discussions, officials chose the first option, citing its simplicity and independence along Vo Chi Cong Street.

Technical specifications and funding

Hanoi’s Department of Construction has proposed a water replenishment flow rate of 3 cubic meters per second for To Lich River and West Lake. The system would include two primary pipelines with a diameter of 1,200 millimeters and a backup pipeline encased in a reinforced concrete box. The project would also involve constructing three weirs at Cong Moc, Cau Dau, and the junction of To Lich River and Kim Nguu River.

The Hanoi People’s Committee has submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister, requesting approval for this emergency project to improve environmental conditions.

The project, with an estimated investment of VND 550 billion (approximately USD 23 million), will be funded by the city’s budget. Hanoi aims to complete the project by September 2025.

Quang Phong