BinhDinh (VNA) - Nearly 16ha of natural forests in Canh Thuan commune,Van Canh district, the central province of Binh Dinh, were recently choppeddown, according to a report of the provincial forest protection branch.
Accordingly, as many as 15.754ha of production forests in zone 367 weredestroyed in August this year.
Previously, another 29.2ha of natural forests in zone 367 were also destroyed.Acacia trees were planted in this area between late 2015 and 2017. Up to 9.5hais empty without any planted trees.
According to an investigation by a Vietnam News Agency reporter, the 29.2hawere approved by the district’s People’s Committee to be assigned to 30 poorhouseholds for production. However, until now, the locals have not received anyland.
[PM asked for strong measures to cope with deforestation]
All production forests meant for locals are occupied by officials at districtand commune levels. These officials reportedly hired locals to chop downnatural forests and plant acacia trees for economic profits.
The case is being further investigated. The Vietnam News Agency will continue toupdate readers with the latest developments.
In September this year, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc ordered investigationon a large scale of the serious deforestation case in An Lao district of Binh Dinhprovince. More than 60ha of forests in An Hung commune were found to bedestroyed. Several forest rangers related to the case were disciplined forlacking responsibility in forest protection. -VNA