Hanoi plans US$3.9 million to clean up West Lake

The Hanoi Times — Hanoi will allocate VND99 billion (US$3.9 million) to develop a wastewater collection system for West Lake in Tay Ho District.

The project, scheduled for implementation between 2025 and 2027, aims to expand and integrate the system into the city’s existing sewerage network. Funding will be sourced from the municipal budget.

There will be a semi-separate drainage system with three pumping stations, 20 separation wells, 120 inspection manholes, and a network of approximately 6.9 km of gravity sewers and 0.9 km of force mains.

One of the project's primary goals is to prevent the discharge of polluted wastewater into West Lake to restore its environment. It is part of a broader effort to improve the ecological health of the lake, which has suffered massive fish kills in recent years due to water pollution.

In addition to the wastewater collection system, Hanoi is also focusing on diverting the West Lake wastewater flow from the Nhue River to Sen Lake, a 4-hectare lake across from the treatment plant. The water will go through a sedimentation and monitoring process before being returned to the West Lake.

The city has also asked the Construction Department to study the possibility of transferring water from the West Lake to the To Lich River during dry periods to ensure stable water levels in both the river and the lake.

West Lake, Hanoi's largest natural lake with an area of over 500 hectares and a circumference of nearly 15 km, plays a crucial role in the city's ecosystem and urban landscape. Ongoing efforts to clean and protect the lake are considered essential to maintaining its ecological balance and ensuring the well-being of the surrounding communities.

Officials said these measures reflect Hanoi's commitment to addressing environmental challenges and improving the quality of life for its residents while preserving one of the city's most iconic natural landmarks.