Plan calls to move thousands from Red River flood areas

Hanoi (VNA) - Around 23,000 householders living along the Red River in Hanoi should be relocated to avoid flood damages, according to the Water Resources Planning Institute under the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development.

The project, which has been submitted to Hanoi People's Committee for
approval, is aimed at limiting flood damage in the capital while creating
conditions for the construction of a riverside city.

According to statistics from the institute, 42,000 households are living
outside the river's main dike system in Hanoi .

The relocation is estimated to cost 19 trillion VND (1.1 billion USD), and
will be implemented from 2011-2020.

"The relocation of people living along the Red River is important as it
will not only help ensure safety for locals, but also improve the
surrounding landscape for sustainable development of the capital," said the
institute's deputy head Vu Hong Chau.

Population density along the river has been increasing rapidly, and the
river bed is narrowing, creating a greater danger of flooding, Chau noted,
adding that the later the project starts, the more difficult site clearance
would be.

He was also concerned about pollution from waste sewage, which without
careful treatment could further harm the river.

"The planning of the Red River section running through Hanoi will create
a more beautiful capital but must ensure safety and stable living conditions
for local people," said the deputy minister of Agriculture and Rural
Development, Dao Xuan Hoc.

Resettlement buildings are scheduled to be built in three areas in the
region, including Hai Boi-Xuan Canh, Bo De-Lam Du-Cu Khoi and Thuong
Cat-Lien Mac.-Enditem


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