Focus on restoring the "green lungs" of suburban areas after the storm

The regulating lake - the "green lung" of the suburban area of ​​old Vinh City - is one of the most heavily affected areas with about 80% of trees broken and uprooted after storm No. 5. Currently, when the work of collecting waste in the inner city area has been basically completed, the authorities and environmental workers are focusing resources on restoring the lake landscape, returning a clean ecological space to the people.

Clip: Quang An

Hung Hoa regulating lake was the largest reservoir in the former Vinh City, covering an area of ​​53 hectares, of which 40 hectares were water surface. It is located at the end of the North Canal, now bordering Truong Vinh and Vinh Loc wards.

This lake is not only a place to regulate and reduce urban flooding, but also an ecological balance point, contributing to climate change adaptation and creating a landscape for the community. The rows of green trees along the lake provide cool shade, and have been a place for people to exercise, stroll, and play for many years.

The regulating lake has maintained its lush green landscape over the years. Photo: QA

However, the recent Typhoon No. 5 has left the regulating lake in a more desolate state than ever before. Observations on September 4th and 5th, more than a week after the storm hit, showed hundreds of trees along the lake's edge uprooted and not yet re-erected, with many large stumps blocking pathways. This situation not only devastates the landscape but also poses a potential safety risk to people traveling through the area.

The trees lining the road surrounding the lake have been knocked down for several days now. Photo: QA

Many trees around the retention pond were knocked down after Typhoon No. 5, and the debris is still scattered around. Photo: QA

Faced with this situation, the Nghe An Urban Environment and Construction Joint Stock Company mobilized its forces to urgently implement remedial measures. Mr. Pham Huu Thang, Head of the Administrative and Organizational Department of the Nghe An Urban Environment and Construction Joint Stock Company, said: "Last week, our forces and equipment prioritized cleaning up the inner city area to ensure traffic and daily life for the people. Immediately after completing the work in the wards and communes, we assigned many working groups to focus on cleaning the regulating lake."

Many trees have fallen into the lake. Photo: QA

This area was severely affected; preliminary statistics show that 700-800 out of approximately 1,000 trees around the lake were broken, uprooted, or leaning. Due to the large volume of work, restoration is expected to take several days, with the approach being to simultaneously clear debris, re-erect trees, and ensure cleanliness and safety.

According to preliminary statistics, up to 80% of the trees around the lake have been broken or leaning over. Photo: QA

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Phong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Truong Vinh Ward, said: "The regulating lake used to belong to the territories of three wards/communes: Hung Hoa, Hung Dung, and Hung Loc. Now, most of it is within the territory of Truong Vinh Ward. Surveys show that this is also one of the areas most severely damaged after the storms and has not yet been addressed. Currently, the local authorities are directing forces, in coordination with the green space company and the environmental company, to clean up and restore the landscape of the largest reservoir in the area."

Mr. Hoang Manh Ba, a worker directly involved in pruning and erecting trees at the regulating lake, shared: “The work at the regulating lake is quite strenuous because there are many large trees with wide root systems. We have to coordinate closely, pruning each branch, then using ropes and stakes to support and erect the trees. Small trees can be done manually, but large trees require machinery to pull them up. Although tired, everyone is determined to work as quickly as possible, because the regulating lake is a place with a lot of people passing by, especially every afternoon.”

Workers are carrying out pruning, after which they will re-erect the tree. Photo: QA

According to the plan, in addition to replanting trees that can still recover, those that have completely fallen will be replaced with new ones, ensuring uniformity and longevity. The units have also deployed additional machinery, increased shifts, and provided compensation for workers during the "peak week," both to boost morale and to encourage progress.

Workers focused on straightening fallen trees after the storm on September 4th. Photo: QA

Beyond addressing immediate consequences, the government and businesses have also recognized the need to implement long-term preventative solutions for falling trees, especially in areas heavily affected by natural disasters like Nghe An.

Despite the hard work, the workers are determined to restore the landscape as soon as possible for the people. Photo: QA

Priority should be given to planting additional tree species that are resistant to strong winds and storms, have deep root systems, and compact canopies; regular pruning should be carried out to reduce the risk of breakage; and urban green space management procedures should be developed to adapt to climate change. Simultaneously, social mobilization and community involvement in preserving the landscape, protecting trees, and maintaining the environment of the regulating lake are also necessary approaches to ensure the sustainability of this ecological site.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/tap-trung-phuc-hoi-la-phoi-xanh-vung-ven-do-sau-bao-10305894.html