Concerns under the canopy of ancient trees in Nghe An

On the afternoon of March 31st, the two branches...ancient banyan tree in Nghia Khanh communeIn Nghia Dan district, a tree unexpectedly collapsed, injuring four elementary school students, two of whom were seriously injured. This incident has raised an alarm about the potential safety risks under the canopy of old trees, especially those located along roadsides.

In fact, many ancient trees, hundreds of years old, have become symbols of their localities; many are also associated with spiritual beliefs, which makes people reluctant to cut them down.

The scene shows a banyan tree in Nghia Khanh commune partially broken, injuring four elementary school students. (Photo: BNA archives)

InThanh ChuongThere is a banyan tree there, hundreds of years old. This banyan tree is located in Block 2A, Thanh Chuong town, with its base extending onto National Highway 46. Currently, this ancient banyan tree has many large branches covered in moss, and its branches and leaves extend over the road. Following the incident involving the banyan tree in Nghia Khanh commune (Nghia Dan district), many residents of Thanh Chuong town have expressed concerns about the safety of the banyan tree.

Mr. Du, a resident living near this banyan tree, said that the Dung banyan tree has been around for a long time and has become a symbol of the Dung market area in Dung town. Although they know that during this season, when storms occur frequently, the risk of branches breaking and falling is very high, in reality, due to concerns about spiritual matters, no one dares to prune it.

The banyan tree in Dung (Thanh Chuong) has its trunk encroaching onto National Highway 46, with branches and leaves spreading across the road, posing a potential safety hazard. Photo: T.D.

Besides the large banyan tree in Dung, Thanh Chuong town also has several other large mahogany trees located in front of the district post office or in front of the town's People's Committee office, areas frequently visited by elementary school students after school. However, to date, the replacement of these large trees has not been carried out.

Mr. Tuong Dang Hao, Chairman of the People's Committee of Thanh Chuong town, said: The locality is aware of the unsafe conditions of the ancient trees located in the area; however, currently, the preservation, pruning, or replacement of trees requires a policy, otherwise, it will face many conflicting opinions.

Mr. Hao also shared that previously, right opposite the Dung banyan tree, there was a very large mahogany tree whose branches often broke and fell onto people's houses. During many meetings with constituents, people suggested cutting down the mahogany tree to ensure safety. Although the correct procedures were followed, there was still much criticism when the local authorities proceeded with cutting down the tree.

The Terminalia catappa tree, located on the border between Nam Son and Dang Son communes (Do Luong district), also overhangs National Highway 7A, a route with heavy traffic of people and vehicles every day. Photo: T.D.

In Do Luong district, right on the border between Nam Son and Dang Son communes, there is an ancient banyan tree located right next to National Highway 7A; its branches and canopy are so lush that they cast shade over the road.

Mr. Hoang Tien Dung - Chairman of the People's Committee of the communeDang Son(Do Luong) reported: The ancient Terminalia catappa tree is located between the two communes of Dang Son and Nam Son. This tree has been around for a very long time; although many branches may have rotted after hundreds of years, no one dares to prune or cut it down. Even when National Highway 7A was widened, it was rerouted to avoid this tree.

The kapok tree, located on the inter-communal road connecting Dien Bich, through Dien Kim, to Dien Hai (Dien Chau), is currently being saved thanks to donations from local people. Photo: T.D.

In Xuan Chau hamlet, Dien Kim commune (Dien Chau district), there is a centuries-old kapok tree. In 2019, this tree began to wither and shed its leaves. Currently, local people have raised money to find ways to save this ancient tree. However, it is worth noting that this kapok tree is located right on the inter-communal road connecting Dien Bich, through Dien Kim, and then to Dien Hai. The entire road is 5-6 meters wide, but at the base of this tree, it narrows to only about 3 meters, creating a bottleneck that obstructs traffic.

The kapok tree has been shedding its leaves and bark for the past two years, and many believe that saving it will only exacerbate traffic congestion and pose a potential safety risk in the area. (Photo: T.Đ)

The local people's attempts to save the rice plant in its place have received mixed reactions. Some residents argue that it should have been whenrice plantIf the tree is still alive, it should be moved to a corner of the stadium, ensuring the safety of people passing through the area while also preserving the tree.

Now that the tree is dead, trying to save it would be costly, inadvertently continue to obstruct traffic, and pose a safety risk with the dry branches hanging precariously overhead.

In a conversation with us, Mr. Thai Huy Vinh, former Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training and Standing Vice Chairman of the Association for the Protection of Children's Rights and Support of People with Disabilities in Nghe An province, stated: "In reality, ancient trees with lifespans of tens or even hundreds of years are becoming increasingly rare. They have become heritage, even historical relics of our homeland and country. Therefore, measures to protect them are necessary; however, to ensure safety, annual pruning and thorough inspection are essential. Especially during this season, which frequently experiences thunderstorms and heavy rain, large trees, if not pruned, are very susceptible to falling, causing tragic accidents."