Tay Ho District authorities have estimated that the total budget for infrastructure development and environmental protection at West Lake could reach around VND4.2 trillion (US$171.3 million).

West Lake is seen from above. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Key activities include the removal of sludge and muck, which is estimated to cost around VND2 trillion ($49 million).

Nguyen Dinh Khuyen, chairman of the district's People's Committee, said the local authorities would transfer water from the Red River to the West Lake.

"The budget estimate may change if the plan needs to be adjusted during the renovation process," he said.

Tay Ho District also plans to spend VND1.6 trillion ($65.2 million) to build ports and about VND600 billion ($24.5 million) to improve landscapes and facilities around the lake.

Funding for construction can come from both the district and city budgets, of which Tay Ho District is expected to contribute about VND1.2 trillion ($49 million), with the rest coming from the city budget.

Construction and improvements will be completed by 2030.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh last week urged local authorities to set up a special unit to take care of the lake and surrounding areas to preserve the environment and landscape and make the most of its natural and cultural advantages.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung agreed that the lake should be placed under the jurisdiction of Tay Ho district rather than the city.

"Within six months, local authorities must finalize a development plan to turn the lake and district into one of Hanoi’s most attractive places and submit it to the city for review," Dung said at a meeting last week.

"West Lake must be preserved at all costs as it is the jewel of the capital," the Secretary said.

Between 2011 and 2016, Tay Ho District carried out four projects to dredge some 440,000m3 of sludge and muck from the lake at a total cost of VND128 billion ($5.2 million). But one of the projects was halted after local news reported dead fish in the lake.

According to insiders, around 1.2 million cubic meters of silt and muck need to be removed from the lake. The West Lake has a total area of 500 hectares and a perimeter of 17 km. The lake has diverse ecological conditions and is inhabited by hundreds of species.

It is home to 71 cultural and historical relics, and six out of eight wards in Tay Ho District are located on the shores of the lake.

Many floating restaurants and nightclubs used to operate on the lake, offering hospitality and travel services. Their operations caused pollution to the lake's environment and harmed living species.

In late 2022, Hanoi and Tay Ho District authorities removed the floating restaurants and nightclubs, returning the peaceful landscapes to local people and visitors.