Dương Trung Quốc, National Assembly Deputy
and a historian, tells VOV Online that preserving the Red River ecosystem
should be a vital part of plans to exploit it.
As a
historian, how would you respond to Ha Noi preparing a new plan for using the
Red River’s resources?
We all know that the old imperial city of
Thăng Long, Ha Noi at present, lies on the bed of the Hồng (Red) River. It was
more than 1,000 years ago that King Lý Công Uẩn, the first Vietnamese Emperor,
left Hoa Lư, the old imperial city, and moved to Đại La in present day Ha Noi. History
books show that urban areas developed always on the banks of rivers. That is
not true of Ha Noi. It is a city, but its development has not spread along the
Red River’s banks. In 1925 and 1926, Ha Noi was heavily flooded. Following
this, the French colonial administration decided to build a big dyke to protect
Ha Noi from flooding. This was the reason that for a long time, only one side
of the Red River developed. Meanwhile, on the other side of the dyke, poor
management by authorities coupled with a rapid population boom and haphazard
urban development, a chaotic urban space was created. So, with today’s rapid
development of Ha Noi, it is important that a level playing field is created
for developing both sides of the river. As we all know, the Red River runs
through Ha Noi City, offering an important water source as well as water
transportation, not to mention beautiful scenery. The Red River has given us
big benefits. But it also requires us to come up with good plans to avert
natural calamities, including flooding.
What
about the spiritual aspects of the river?
For many Vietnamese generations, the river
has been closely linked to the idea of spiritual power, and we should treat it
with respect. It is undisputable that the river is a place for developing
waterway transport, which links it to issues of national security. One of the
many reasons that the French wanted to attack Ha Noi is to reclaim their right
to travel along the Red River and to go by boat from Viet Nam to the South of
China – a very big market for France. The Vietnamese Government as well as Ha
Noi authorities should pay special attention to the Red River because it is
related to the economy, culture and people’s feelings. We need to win the
public’s support. Would you agree that the Red River has not been treated
properly despite its immense value? Absolutely. I want to mention two main
ideas. First, we have not properly exploited the river. Second, we have not
properly invested in it. But while it is true that we have not optimally
exploited the river for our benefit, its exploitation needs to be reviewed
carefully, from upstream to downstream areas, not just the portion that flows
through Ha Noi.
So
how should we develop a master plan for the Red River?
I should say Ha Noi should give priority to
preserving its ecosystem – a factor that will decide the quality of modern life
here. I’m sorry to say that we are pursuing an economic ideology that exchanges
one thing for another. (like sacrificing the environment for economic growth).
I feel that in developing a master plan for the Red River, we should adopt a long-term
vision with good reasoning and achievable objectives, so that Ha Noi grows into
a city with a clean environment and a good ecosystem.
Do
you support inviting foreign developers for the Red River Planning project?
Yes, I think using foreign expertise in the
Red River Planning project is necessary. But our own efforts must be the
foundation. We only need foreign support in areas that we are weak at. And have
to think that is a good occasion for us to learn from them and to make
ourselves stronger. In my opinion, the planning work regarding Red River’s
banks is a big issue that needs the mobilisation of all expertise in the
country and only seek foreign support in areas that we are weak in.
What
should be the main aspects of the Red River Planning project that will make it
reflect the key characteristics of Ha Noi?
People often refer to the Red River as the
“nhĩ hà” river (the helix enclosing Ha Noi). This is a natural shape of our Red
River. I’m afraid to say that the natural shape of the river would be lost if a
new, big dam called Cái is built in the upper reaches. I agree with many people
that if the dam benefits the people and the nation, it should be built, but the
principle of transparency and accountability must be strongly upheld.
Viet
Nam News p6 – March 29 - http://vietnamnews.vn/society/373728/red-river-plan-should-protect-its-ecosystem.html#uDKP0QgD1QmXB5c5.99
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