Hanoi to launch $34 million canal project to curb flooding, revive To Lich River

THE HANOI TIMES — The Hanoi People’s Committee will implement an urgent project to upgrade Thuy Phuong Canal, which will supply water for the To Lich River and reduce flooding in nearby residential areas.

Thuy Phuong Canal runs across Dong Ngac, Xuan Dinh and Nghia Do wards. The project will improve flood resistance for neighborhoods such as Resco, Ecohome, Diplomatic Corps, the western area of the West Lake and Ciputra.

The project has a total investment of nearly VND870 billion (US$34 million) and is scheduled for completion in Q3/2026, with key components to be finished before the rainy season that year.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Duong Duc Tuan said the project will provide a stable, high-quality water source and increase flow to maintain the environmental current of the To Lich River using water from the Red River.

He added that the project will help reduce pollution, improve urban landscapes and enhance residents’ living conditions. It will also improve drainage for the Co Nhue sub-basin toward the Nhue and To Lich rivers and support irrigation for existing farmland.

The To Lich River stretches 13.4 kilometers, starting from Nghia Do Canal near Hoang Quoc Viet Street and flowing into the Nhue River through Thanh Liet Dam or into the Red River through the Yen So Pumping Station.

Originally a branch of the Red River, the To Lich River has suffered heavy pollution for many years due to interruptions in water supply and disposal of effluents from households and craft villages.

The project will study elevation levels and water quality to ensure stable replenishment for the To Lich River. It aims to maintain continuous flow, create green landscapes along Thuy Phuong Canal and keep the To Lich River’s water level between 4 and 4.5 meters.

Authorities will review and address intersections to ensure connection with the Left Nhue Drainage Project, the wastewater collection system for the West Nhue Wastewater Treatment Plant, the existing open Nguyen Hoang Ton Canal and nearby regulating lakes.

In late September and early October, Hanoi experienced two rounds of severe flooding caused by heavy rains. Areas such as Ecohome, Diplomatic Corps and the western side of the West Lake were among the hardest hit, with prolonged and deep inundation.

One of the city’s key solutions is to build regulating lakes to tackle urban flooding, though progress has been slow. Planned projects include Xuan Dinh Lake (5 ha), Co Nhue 1 Lake (10 ha), Co Nhue 2 Lake (9.8 ha), Lien Mac 1 Lake (13 ha) and Thuy Phuong 2 Lake (14.5 ha).