Worries under the shade of ancient trees in Nghe An

On the afternoon of March 31, 2 branchesancient banyan tree in Nghia Khanh commune(Nghia Dan), suddenly collapsed, injuring 4 elementary school students, 2 of whom were seriously injured. This incident has sounded the alarm about the potential safety risks under the canopy of old trees, especially those located along the road.

In fact, there are many ancient trees hundreds of years old that have become symbols of localities; many trees are also associated with spiritual beliefs that make many people not want to cut them down.

Scene of a partially broken banyan tree in Nghia Khanh commune, injuring four primary school students. Photo: BNA Document

InThanh ChuongThere is a banyan tree that is hundreds of years old. This banyan tree is located in block 2A, Thanh Chuong town, the base of the tree encroaches on National Highway 46. Currently, on this ancient banyan tree, there are many large branches, covered with moss, branches and leaves covering the road. After the incident with the banyan tree in Nghia Khanh commune (Nghia Dan), many people in Thanh Chuong town have expressed concern about the safety of the banyan tree.

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

The Dung banyan tree (Thanh Chuong) has its roots encroaching on Highway 46, its branches and leaves covering the road, posing a potential safety risk. Photo: T.D

Not only the Dung banyan tree, in Thanh Chuong town there are also some large acacia trees located in front of the district post office, or in front of the town People's Committee gate, areas where elementary school students often pass by after school. However, until now, the replacement of these large trees has not been carried out.

Mr. Tuong Dang Hao - Chairman of Thanh Chuong Town People's Committee said: The locality is also aware of the unsafe situation of old trees in the area, however, currently, the preservation, pruning or replacement of trees needs to have a policy, otherwise there will be many opposing opinions.

Mr. Hao also shared that in the past, right opposite the Dung banyan tree, there was a very large soapberry tree, the branches of which often broke and fell on people's houses. At many meetings with voters, people also suggested that the soapberry tree should be cut down to ensure safety. Although the procedure was followed correctly, when the locality proceeded to cut down the tree, there were still many complaints.

The banyan tree located on the border between Nam Son and Dang Son communes (Do Luong) also covers National Highway 7A, where many people and vehicles pass by 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 cover the road.

Mr. Hoang Tien Dung - Chairman of the Commune People's CommitteeDang Son(Do Luong) said: The ancient banyan tree is located between the two communes of Dang Son and Nam Son. This banyan tree has existed for a long time, although after hundreds of years, many branches may have rotted, but when it comes to pruning or cutting it down, no one dares. Even when National Highway 7A was expanded, it was bent to avoid this banyan tree.

The kapok tree is located on the inter-commune road connecting Dien Bich, through Dien Kim, to Dien Hai (Dien Chau). People are currently spending money to save it. Photo: T.D

In Xuan Chau hamlet, Dien Kim commune (Dien Chau), there is a kapok tree that is hundreds of years old. In 2019, this kapok tree gradually withered and lost its leaves. Currently, local people have also donated money to find a way to save this ancient tree. However, it is worth mentioning that this kapok tree is located right on the inter-commune road connecting Dien Bich, through Dien Kim and then to Dien Hai. The entire road is 5-6m wide, but when it reaches this tree, it narrows to only about 3m, creating a bottleneck, obstructing traffic.

The kapok tree has lost its leaves and bark for two years now. Many people believe that saving the kapok tree will continue to cause traffic congestion and pose a potential safety risk in the area. Photo: T.D

The local people's efforts to save the kapok tree on the spot have received many different opinions. Some people said that, whenkapok treeIf the tree is still alive, it should be moved to the corner of the stadium, both to ensure safety for people passing through this area and to preserve the tree.

At this time, when the tree is dead, trying to save it is not only costly, but also unintentionally continues to obstruct traffic, and poses a potential safety risk when dry branches are hanging overhead.

Talking to us, Mr. Thai Huy Vinh - former Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training, Permanent Vice President of the Association for the Protection of Children's Rights and Support of the Disabled in Nghe An province said: In fact, ancient trees with a lifespan of tens, even hundreds of years are increasingly rare, they have become heritage, even evidence of the history of the homeland and the country. Therefore, it is necessary to have protective measures; however, to ensure safety, it is necessary to conduct annual pruning and strict inspection. Especially this season, thunderstorms and storms often occur, large trees if not pruned will easily break and fall, causing tragic accidents.