[vufo]

The Nhue River not only acts as a water drainage channel for over 100,000ha of land, including 60,000ha in Hanoi, the river also supplies water for 56,000ha of agricultural land. But this significant river is being killed.

The river’s current has been slowed in recent years due to damage to the river’s bed and banks, creating danger for the capital city in the rainy and stormy season.

In the historic flood in late 2008, the Nhue River’s jammed current resulted in prolonged floods in Hanoi, causing serious losses for the city.

Along the river, 3008 cases of environmental violations have been recorded, with over 2600 cases in the districts of Tu Liem, Thanh Tri and Ha Dong. Over 70 percent of violations are related to construction activities in restricted areas.

Nearly one kilometer of the river crossing Huu Hoa commune, Thanh Tri district is nearly covered by water spinach rafts. According to local people, these rafts are very “effective” in hindering the current.

Besides violations of local people, some state-funded bridge projects also contributing to hampering the river’s current.

The 2009 flood season is coming but the Nhue River’s current is still dangerously slow.

(VietNamNet Bridge)