On the morning of January 20th, Mr. Thai Thuong Hai, Head of the Forest Protection Department of Chu Se district ( Gia Lai province ), informed that the unit had coordinated with the HBong commune government to inspect and discover the encroachment on protected forest land for sugarcane cultivation in sub-area 1065, within the forest area managed by the local authorities.

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During the inspection, authorities discovered that more than 5.5 hectares of forest had been illegally cut down in three locations within sub-area 1065, under the management of HBong commune.

According to Mr. Hai, during the inspection, authorities discovered that in Lot 30, Section 1 (Sub-area 1065), 2.56 hectares of upstream protection forest (natural deciduous forest undergoing regeneration) had been illegally cut down.

At the scene, authorities discovered that 2.56 hectares of upstream protection forest (natural deciduous forest undergoing regeneration) in plot 30, section 1 (sub-area 1065) had been illegally cut down.

Furthermore, in plot 7, section 2 (sub-area 1065), there are two locations with a total area of ​​2.98 hectares of upstream protection forest (in the state of depleted deciduous natural forest) that have also been cleared and plowed.

At the time of inspection, all three locations had been plowed and planted with sugarcane across the entire area. The surrounding plowed areas were covered with grassland, shrubs, and regenerating trees. However, authorities have not yet determined the exact time of deforestation or the perpetrators.

"The task force has drawn up a report and handed it over to the People's Committee of HBong commune to direct the HBong commune's forest rangers and other forces to guard and maintain the current state of affairs, strictly prohibiting any interference with the scene during the investigation and verification period," informed the Head of the Chư Sê District Forest Ranger Station.

According to the Chư Sê District Forest Management Unit, after discovering the incident, the unit coordinated with the District Police Investigation Agency, the District People's Procuracy, and the Hbông Commune People's Committee to conduct a scene investigation and consolidate and complete the case file for prosecution.

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At the time of inspection, all three locations had been plowed and planted with sugarcane across the entire area.

Meanwhile, Mr. Pham Huu Vien, Chairman of the People's Committee of HBong commune, said that during the verification process, a local resident came forward claiming to have planted the aforementioned sugarcane area. However, the police are currently investigating, so their identity cannot be disclosed at this time.

It is known that in September 2021, also in this sub-area 1065, 34.6 hectares of protected forest were cleared and bulldozed to plant eucalyptus trees. Some time later, when the eucalyptus trees were about 25-30cm tall, the forest owner and authorities discovered the illegal logging.