Go Dung Lake (Yen Xuan Commune, Hanoi) stands as one of the region’s largest irrigation lakes. Beyond its role in creating green spaces, it plays a crucial role in water regulation, supporting agricultural production, and preventing flooding in the area.
However, local residents report that in recent times, thousands of square meters of land have been dumped into the lake, encroaching upon its surface area.
Not far away, also within Yen Xuan Commune, residents of Village 6 have reported that unknown individuals have been filling in a local pond, yet the commune authorities have taken no action.
Observations by Tien Phong newspaper reporters reveal that after the lake area was filled, fences were quickly erected.
Images captured by Tien Phong newspaper reporters in early August 2025 show a portion of the lake being cleared to make way for a road.
By September 2025, tens of thousands of square meters of the former lake area had been filled with soil to create roads serving nearby resorts.
Numerous unidentified individuals brought in excavators and hired dozens of workers to fill in the ponds and lakes. Photo provided by residents.
Following reports of illegal filling of lakes and ponds, Tien Phong newspaper reporters contacted and scheduled a meeting with the People’s Committee of Yen Xuan Commune. However, after more than a month, there has been no response from the committee.
Not only in Yen Xuan Commune, but also in Doi Phuong Commune, Dong Mo Lake, covering approximately 1,400 hectares, was filled in during August 2025. The People’s Committee of Doi Phuong Commune issued a decision to impose an administrative fine for the illegal filling of 2,275 square meters of the lake. The violator was fined 40 million VND and ordered to restore the area to its original state.
A representative from the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment stated that violations within the protected areas of irrigation works remain complex. The department has requested irrigation companies to inspect and promptly prevent new violations at the irrigation works under their management, ensuring that previous violations do not recur or expand.
On September 30, the Hanoi People’s Committee issued a document requiring the People’s Committees of communes and wards to decisively address the 220 irrigation work violations that arose in 2025, with completion by October 30, 2025. The Hanoi People’s Committee also requested the consideration and handling of responsibilities for the leaders, collectives, and individuals involved in allowing these violations to occur.
