Clarifying and strictly handling the case of destroying 0.65 hectares of natural forest in Mai Son commune (Tuong Duong)

At the end of January 2024, the forces of Tuong Duong district and Mai Son commune discovered that illegal logging and deforestation occurred in lot 17, section 3, sub-area 512 (along National Highway 16, within the boundaries of Mai Son commune), with a total area of ​​about 0.652 hectares. This is a forest area with the status of mixed natural forest of bamboo - rattan - wood (HG2) under the production forest planning, managed by the People's Committee of Mai Son commune.

According to the Management Board of Huoi To 1 village (Mai Son commune), the natural forest area has been cut down and the land area along National Highway 16, calculated from the edge of the positive slope up to 100m, has been designated for people to do gardening and agricultural production for a long time. Later, there was Project 135 to support people to grow rice.

However, through initial inspection, the total number of felled trees was determined to be 142, including odd species of cassia, chestnut... with an average root diameter of 10 cm to 20 cm. The total volume measured at the scene was about 11.57 m³.

Tuong Duong district forces have identified 4 subjects, residing in Huoi To 1 village, who have carried out the deforestation in the above-mentioned area. According to the initial statements of the violators, the deforestation was carried out before the Lunar New Year 2024; the purpose of the deforestation was to clear land for cassava cultivation.

According to Mr. Nguyen Huu Hien - Vice Chairman of Tuong Duong District People's Committee, currently the District People's Committee is directing the District Police to coordinate with the People's Procuracy, Forest Protection Department, and Mai Son Commune People's Committee to organize a crime scene investigation, complete the required documents to strictly handle the case according to the law.