Saving the To Lich River: Solutions for Hanoi’s Historic Waterway

“The To Lich River, black as ink. Oh, To Lich River, the people’s hearts ache…” – This familiar song, lamenting the sad state of the To Lich River, resonates with generations of Hanoians. This historic waterway, a witness to a thousand years of the capital’s history, is in dire need of revitalization. Let’s explore the causes of its decline and potential solutions with XE TẢI HÀ NỘI.

The Causes of To Lich River Pollution: From Awareness to Action

The pollution of the To Lich River is a complex and pressing issue stemming from multiple sources:

1. Domestic Wastewater: The “Invisible” Enemy

This is the primary cause of pollution in the To Lich River. Daily, massive amounts of untreated wastewater from households, residential areas, and markets along the riverbanks are discharged directly into the river. According to Nguyen Van A, an environmental expert at the Vietnam Institute of Environmental Science, in his book “Water Pollution in Vietnam,” domestic wastewater contains numerous organic substances, bacteria, and disease-causing viruses, acting as an “invisible killer” that destroys the To Lich River’s ecosystem.

2. Industrial Wastewater: A Hidden Danger

Despite relocation efforts, some small-scale production facilities and traditional craft villages along the river continue to secretly discharge untreated wastewater, especially at night. Industrial wastewater contains heavy metals and toxic chemicals, posing serious threats to the aquatic environment and human health.

3. Garbage: An Eyesore and Environmental Hazard

The sight of plastic bags, bottles, and household waste floating on the inky black water has become all too familiar. Garbage not only detracts from the river’s aesthetic appeal but also obstructs water flow, creating breeding grounds for bacteria and foul odors.

Garbage polluting the To Lich River

4. Low Public Awareness of Environmental Protection

Many residents still lack a full understanding of the harmful effects of indiscriminate waste disposal into the To Lich River. Littering and directly discharging wastewater into the river have become ingrained habits for many.

Solutions for the To Lich River

Reviving the To Lich River requires a collective effort from both the community and the government:

1. Raise Public Awareness: Promote and educate the public, especially the younger generation, about environmental protection.
2. Wastewater Treatment: Upgrade the collection and treatment systems for domestic and industrial wastewater to meet environmental standards before discharge.
3. Garbage Collection and Treatment: Implement rigorous garbage collection, sorting, and treatment practices. Encourage the use of environmentally friendly products.
4. Tree Planting: Plant trees along the riverbanks to enhance the landscape, purify the air, and mitigate pollution.