A plan to rebuild urban areas along both banks of the Hong (Red) River in Hanoi through 2020 will be submitted to the Prime Minister after receiving the nod from the Hanoi Party Committee conference on July 6.

This plan would play a key role in developing 40km of both banks of the Red River towards modern, civilised capital for the 100 million people living in the country, said Pham Quang Nghi, Hanoi Party committee secretary.

The plan’s estimated cost of 7 billion USD will be spent on four development areas, including more than 2,000ha of land for an urban zone, a commerce and trading area, public land and a land fund for international festivals and sports events.

The plan includes flood-control measures based on the Republic of Korea ’s construction model around the Han River .

The plan would ensure floodwater drainage, sustainable socio-economic development in line with environmental protection and a focus on green space, said To Anh Tuan, director of the Hanoi Planning and Architecture Department.

Before being discussed at the conference, scientists, experts and Hanoi residents all gave their opinions on the plan, said Le Van Hoat, head of the Economic Committee of the municipal People’s Council.

If the plan is put into action, the river will be widened under the Thang Long Bridge and north of the Chuong Duong Bridge . The river will also be narrowed at some sections to ensure it is 4,200 metres across at its widest and 1,300 metres at its narrowest.

The readjustment of the river beds would improve flood drainage and make it easier to transport goods and use the river for tourism services, said Tuan.

In addition, a new system of stone embankments and dykes would be built to avoid land erosion.

Under the plan, 12 environmental and cultural preservation areas and 59 other projects including green space, pedestrian walkways, parking lots, entertainment centres, and a sports stadium will be built along the banks of the Red River .

The projects will be integrated and connected with the rest of the city.

The urban zones, which will include trade and commercial centres, will be set up in conformity with traditional craft villages.

However, the Hanoi Party committee secretary reminded relevant authorities to be aware of public opinion and consult experts since the plan would have enormous consequences for the 170,000 people who are now living along the banks of the Red River./.