Hanoi Seeks Public Feedback on Revised Red River Urban Master Plan

The capital city of Hanoi is seeking public feedback on its revised Red River Urban Zone Master Plan, an initiative designed to establish an open, transparent, and two-way dialogue between authorities and citizens. This process aims to allow affected households to voice their concerns, aspirations, and recommendations, facilitating timely responses from relevant agencies. The consultation will be conducted in two stages, covering the planning formulation and appraisal processes. Sixteen wards and communes within the planning boundary will be directly involved: Thuong Cat, Dong Ngac, Phu Thuong, Hong Ha, Bo De, Long Bien, Linh Nam, O Dien, Me Linh, Thien Loc, Vinh Thanh, Dong Anh, Bat Trang, Thanh Tri, Nam Phu, and Hong Van. Eight neighboring wards and communes within the zone of influence will also participate: Tay Ho, Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam, Hai Ba Trung, Vinh Tuy, Vinh Hung, Yen So, and Yen Lang. Government agencies and local organizations in these areas will have 15 days from the receipt of the planning documents to submit their written comments. For communities directly affected by the planning, relevant documents and feedback forms will be publicly displayed at the headquarters of ward and commune-level People's Committees or community centers. These documents and electronic feedback forms will also be made available on the websites of the Ha Noi Department of Construction, the Ha Noi Urban Planning Institute, and local government portals. To facilitate public participation, the Department of Construction will organize hybrid consultation meetings, combining in-person discussions at the Ha Noi People's Committee headquarters with online connections to local venues. The meetings are scheduled for September 11, 17, and 25. During the appraisal stage, state management agencies will be required to submit written comments within 10 days of receiving the dossier, while organizations and independent experts will have 15 days to provide feedback. Following the consultation process, the Department of Construction will convene an Appraisal Council in accordance with regulations to assess the planning adjustment. According to the Ha Noi People's Committee, the adjustment to the Red River Urban Zone Master Plan covers a river corridor of approximately 40 km, stretching from Hong Ha Bridge to Me So Bridge. The planning area covers about 11,418 hectares across 16 wards and communes, with a current population of over 279,500 and 123 historical and cultural heritage sites. Agricultural land accounts for around 50 percent of the total area, or 5,741 hectares, while residential land accounts for approximately 10 percent, equivalent to 1,102 hectares. Under the proposed adjustment, the population of the entire planning area is expected to reach approximately 800,000-1.2 million people. The plan sets an average residential land allocation of 55 sq.m. per person, while land for residential units is projected at 15 sq.m. per person. The public consultation is expected to help improve the quality and feasibility of the master plan, while ensuring that the interests and legitimate aspirations of residents are taken into account in the development of the Red River urban area.