Investigation of natural forest destruction in Tan Ky district

On the morning of October 13, many units including the Environmental Police Department (Nghe An Provincial Police) and Nghe An Forest Protection Department were present at the scene of the deforestation incident in Village 7, Nghia Binh Commune after receiving reports from the press.

In addition, the delegation of the Tan Ky District People's Committee and many local units such as the Tan Ky District Police, the District People's Procuracy, the District Forest Protection Department, and the District Protective Forest Management Board were also present. After recording the scene, the authorities measured the area of ​​the destroyed forest as well as counted the remaining wood.

Many forces were present at the scene to measure and count. Photo: Tien Hung

According to the reporter's records, the destroyed forest area is about 0.2 hectares, only about 1km from the residential area of ​​village 7. Cars can enter the forest to transport wood. This is a natural forest about 30 years old. At the scene, everything was cut down, from large trees with a trunk diameter of over 60cm to small wild trees. Most of the large trees that were cut down were in groups III to VIII, mainly chestnut trees.

In addition, there are many large ironwood trees nearby that have not been exploited yet. Through traces at the scene, it can be determined that the deforestation began more than half a month ago.

A chestnut tree with a trunk diameter of more than 60cm has just been cut down. Photo: Tien Hung

The area that was cut down was only about 500 meters from the protective forest. According to the reporter's investigation, this natural forest was previously a protective forest, but in 2007 it was converted to a production forest, the forest owner is Ms. Luong Thi Loan, village 7, Nghia Binh commune. This is a rare natural forest in Nghia Binh commune that still has many beautiful trees.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thang - Chairman of Nghia Binh Commune People's Committee said that in early April, Ms. Vinh submitted a request to exploit wood. However, the authorities did not agree because according to regulations, natural forests are absolutely not allowed to be exploited.

However, when asked by reporters whether he knew about this deforestation incident, Mr. Thang seemed hesitant.

Also present at the scene, Mr. Thang initially said that due to recent heavy rains, while many incidents occurred in the area, the commune leaders had not yet grasped the information, and the felling was carried out secretly. But then Mr. Thang said that the commune had grasped the incident, but because in recent days, Ms. Vinh had been taking care of a relative at the hospital in Vinh City, so they had not yet been able to make a record to handle it.

The unexploited area still has many beautiful ironwood trees. Photo: Tien Hung

Discussing this incident, Mr. Phan Van Giap - Chairman of Tan Ky District People's Committee said that immediately after the press reported it, the district leaders gave strong instructions, in which from early morning, the district's working group led by a Vice Chairman of the District People's Committee went to the scene.

"The district leaders' viewpoint is to handle violations where they occur, without covering them up. Strict handling is needed to rectify state management at the grassroots level, as well as general management in the area. Especially the management of forest land," said Mr. Giap.

The incident is still under investigation.