The two banks of the To Lich River in Hanoi boast open terrain, free from residential obstructions, with many unused plots - ideal conditions for implementing a 14-kilometer riverside park project that promises to reshape the city’s landscape.

The To Lich River, stretching more than 14 kilometers from Tay Ho Ward to the Nhue River, has recently shown signs of revitalization. After the installation of a water-supplementation pipeline, residents have been delighted to see the once-black waterway turning visibly clearer.

Hanoi’s People's Committee has approved a list of key construction projects scheduled to begin in time for the 71st anniversary of the capital’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2025). Among the eight highlighted projects is the highly anticipated development of a dual-bank park along the To Lich River.

Although the river flows through central Hanoi districts densely packed with housing, the riverbanks are clearly zoned for public use, comprising primarily sidewalks and adjacent roads. Importantly, there are no homes or major structures that require relocation, and road infrastructure along both sides of the river is already in place.

Moving further south toward Kim Giang Street, numerous vacant plots sit alongside the river. Many of these have been temporarily used by local residents for small-scale farming and household production.

Nguyen Thi Lai, a longtime resident living near the river, expressed optimism: “Hearing that the river’s landscape will be upgraded makes me very happy. This has long been a wish of ours, especially for families living close to the water. We hope this project is truly effective.”

A few temporary structures and small refreshment stands remain scattered across the area. Meanwhile, some sections of the riverbank are under construction as part of the current river flow improvement efforts. Upon completion, these zones will be cleared for the park project.

On September 9, water from West Lake was officially channeled into the To Lich River as planned. By September 20, treated water from the Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment Plant is also expected to be added, accelerating the river’s restoration.

The riverside park initiative was first introduced in early March, following a meeting chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, Duong Duc Tuan, who reviewed the design proposal submitted by a private enterprise.

Hanoi authorities have since requested detailed studies on which segments of the riverbank can be expanded and which cannot. The goal is to both enlarge the river’s surface area and create space for new public service infrastructure.

The city’s Department of Finance has been tasked with evaluating the feasibility of implementing the project under a build-transfer (BT) model. Final proposals will be submitted to the People’s Committee for review and directive.

This project forms part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the To Lich River after years of pollution and neglect, with the ultimate goal of returning the waterway to a vibrant, accessible, and ecologically sound urban feature.

Thach Thao