Hanoi is fast-tracking the construction of seven regulating lakes and three other urgent flood control projects across the city. These crucial infrastructure developments aim to significantly reduce seasonal flooding, with most projects slated for completion in Q2 and Q3, before the peak rainy season arrives.

Located on To Huu street, Me Tri lake (Dong Bong 2) in Dai Mo ward, spanning approximately 12 hectares with a total investment of around 370 billion VND, is undergoing accelerated construction. This project is expected to help reduce flooding in western Hanoi.

At the construction site, dozens of excavators and bulldozers are working continuously to level the ground and excavate the lake bed. Many areas of the lake bed have already taken shape after the excavated soil was removed. According to the plan, important components will be completed before 30/4 to be ready for flood control during the rainy season.

More than 2 km away, in Tu Liem ward, Phu Do regulating lake, covering 36 hectares with a total investment of 800 billion VND, is also seeing accelerated progress. The contractor is currently working multiple shifts day and night to ensure the set schedule, with lake excavation expected to be completed in 6/2026.

Considered the largest regulating lake invested in during this period, thousands of machines and construction vehicles have been mobilized at the site. Inside the construction area, trucks, excavators, and bulldozers are operating continuously to level and excavate the lake bed. According to the design, the project will construct two box culverts to regulate water flow into and out of the lake, and one culvert connecting the lake to the Nhue river. Two large-capacity pumps will also be installed to enhance water drainage for the entire area.

In An Khanh commune, near Ring Road 4, two regulating lakes, Yen Nghia 1 and 2, have completed ground leveling. Yen Nghia 1 lake spans 20 hectares with a total investment of 858 billion VND, while Yen Nghia 2 lake covers approximately 5 hectares with an investment of 250 billion VND.

Many locations around the lake have already had sheet piles driven to reinforce the embankments, prevent erosion, and contain water. At the construction site, trucks are queuing to transport excavated soil away.

In Dong Ngac ward, on Tay Thang Long road, Thuy Phuong 2 regulating lake, with a surface area of approximately 14,5 hectares and a total investment of 700 billion VND, aims to address flooding in northern Hanoi's urban areas. The project is currently constructing its drainage system and excavating the lake bed.

To complete the main component by 30/4, the construction unit is concentrating its workforce, organizing three shifts and four teams. The embankment base at Thuy Phuong 2 lake is being installed. In February, Dong Ngac ward reclaimed significant agricultural land for the project. Nguyen Duc Luong, the project commander, stated that because this is an urgent project, the unit primarily uses precast, modular embankment bases instead of traditional stone embankment construction and concrete pouring, which are more time-consuming.

Also in Dong Ngac ward, on Thuy Phuong road, the Chem lake project, covering 9 hectares, is in the site clearance phase. Land for the project is primarily agricultural, used by residents to grow peaches. Meanwhile, in Thuong Cat ward, local authorities are mobilizing residents to hand over land for the construction of Lien Mac 1 lake. Nguyen Ke Doan of Thuong Cat ward, a household whose agricultural land was reclaimed, expressed support for Hanoi City's flood control project. "Last year's rainy season, our residential area was flooded by one meter of water, so we are really looking forward to this project," Doan shared.

In addition to building seven regulating lakes, the Hanoi City People's Committee is also constructing three other urgent flood control projects: renovating the Thuy Phuong canal, supplementing water to the To Lich river, renovating the downstream Kim Nguu river connecting the To Lich river with Yen So pumping station, increasing pumping station capacity, and building culverts along Thang Long Avenue. All projects are expected to be completed in Q2 and Q3, before the arrival of the rainy season.

Viet An