How much sidewalk construction is affecting the trees?

(NLĐO) - Sidewalk construction that affects trees poses a potential risk to the safety of those trees.

The Center for Technical Infrastructure Management (the Center has just submitted a report to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport and Public Works regarding the construction and upgrading of sidewalks in various districts and counties that affect the safety of trees.)

Accordingly, as of March 26th, the Center recorded 58 roads in districts 1, 5, 6, Tan Phu, Tan Binh, Phu Nhuan, Binh Thanh, Go Vap and Cu Chi district where sidewalk construction and repair are underway, affecting urban safety.

Specifically, District 1 has 16 streets; similarly, District 11 has 9; District 6 has 10, District 5 has 8, and the rest belong to Tan Phu District, Binh Thanh District, and Cu Chi District.

In addition, approximately 90 trees were cut down and replaced, including 3 trees of type 1, 57 trees of type 2, and 30 trees of type 3.

Recently, this unit has sent official letters to the People's Committees of districts and counties advising and guiding compliance with safety regulations for trees during construction projects.

However, during the monitoring and inspection process, the Center noted that the investors had not strictly complied with the policies and guidelines of the City People's Committee and the Department of Construction. Sidewalks under construction were being dug up using heavy machinery, leading to collisions with tree trunks, causing damage, severed roots, or lowering the ground level around the base, resulting in the tree roots protruding above the ground surface.

In addition, prolonged exposure of tree roots is a problem due to extensive excavation and slow replanting.

Many sidewalks are under construction, affecting the trees (Photo: AI MY)

In response to this situation, the Center and its maintenance units inspected, reviewed, and addressed the issue by cutting down approximately 90 trees that posed a safety risk due to severely damaged root systems; they also trimmed the branches of many other trees to reduce the risk of accidents.

Nevertheless, there remains a long-term safety risk to the remaining trees along the routes due to undetected damage, defects, or potential hazards caused by the negative impacts of the construction process.

Therefore, the Center recommends that the Department of Transport and Public Works assign the Department's Inspectorate to coordinate with the Department of Construction's Inspectorate to inspect and handle violations of regulations on protecting green spaces by investors and construction units during construction. At the same time, it recommends issuing a document advising and reminding districts and counties to rectify violations by investors and contractors and to take punitive measures against units that violate regulations and endanger green spaces.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/bao-nhieu-via-he-thi-cong-gay-anh-huong-cay-xanh-19625032909072577.htm