Truong Quoc Bao, head of the Yen Xa wastewater treatment infrastructure project management board, said the 1.7 km channel, consisting of a 2.5 x 2.5 m concrete box culvert, has been completed along with auxiliary components. The water replenishment operation commenced after the Thanh Liet dam's sluice gate was finished on 25/8.

Construction on this dam, one of three being built by the city on the To Lich river, began six months ago. It is now largely complete, with only site cleanup and landscaping remaining.

According to Mr. Bao, the new water supply from the Yen Xa plant, combined with water from West Lake, will maintain the To Lich river's water level at a steady 3.5 m, preserving the landscape and ecosystem while also aiding drainage during heavy rain. This water source will also help reduce pollution in the Lu and Set rivers while the city implements wastewater collection projects on these two rivers. In the long term, Hanoi will explore further supplementation from the Red river.

The first dam on the To Lich river has been completed and put into operation. Photo: Vo Hai

The 13.4 km To Lich river begins at the Nghia Do canal (Hoang Quoc Viet) and flows into the Nhue river via the Thanh Liet dam or the Red river through the Yen So pumping station with a capacity of 90 cubic meters per second. Originally a tributary of the Red river, the To Lich has been heavily polluted for many years due to interrupted replenishment, primarily receiving wastewater, rainwater, and some water from West Lake.

Hanoi has been implementing solutions to improve the river's environment, including wastewater collection, dredging, embankment improvements, and cleaning both banks. To commemorate the upcoming October 10th anniversary, the city will begin construction of parks along both banks of the To Lich, aiming to revitalize the river.

On the morning of September 20th, some local residents visited and took photos with the newly completed dam. Photo: Vo Hai

Vo Hai