Reviewing the project to save Vong Phu Island amidst public scrutiny.

VHO - The serious deterioration of Vong Phu rock formation after a lightning strike in 2022 has forced Thanh Hoa province to implement an urgent conservation and reinforcement project.

Vong Phu Rock Relic

However, in recent days, as the project has attracted the attention of the press and social media with diverse opinions, the Provincial People's Committee has requested a comprehensive review and clarification of information to ensure that the preservation of the relic is carried out scientifically , legally, and in accordance with the cultural and spiritual values ​​of this special folk symbol.

Cultural landmarks amidst Nhoi Mountain face imminent collapse.

Located on An Hoach Mountain (Nhoi Mountain), Vong Phu Rock has long been a familiar cultural and spiritual symbol for the people of Thanh Hoa province.

From the foot of the mountain, the winding, moss-covered stone path leading up to the historical site meanders through majestic natural rock formations, evoking a sense of solemnity like an ancient ink painting.

Midway up the mountain, the Vong Phu rock formation stands majestically against the sky, approximately 20 meters high, resembling a woman holding a child, gazing towards the North.

According to folklore, it depicts a faithful wife who waited day and night for her husband returning from war, waiting until she turned to stone. This image has been deeply ingrained in the consciousness of generations, becoming a symbol of self-sacrifice, unwavering loyalty, and enduring faith of the Vietnamese people.

For the locals, the rock is not just a scenic spot, but also a sacred place to entrust their wishes for peace and happiness.

"Every day, people come up to light incense and touch the rock to pray for peace. The people of An Hung believe that the Vong Phu rock protects their village," a resident living near the foot of the mountain shared.

That special value was affirmed when, in 1992, the An Hoach mountain scenic area (located in Dong Hung commune, Dong Son district (formerly), now An Hung ward, Thanh Hoa province ) was classified as a national historical site by the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism).

However, the night of June 15, 2022, became a worrying milestone for this historical site. A major thunderstorm with strong lightning struck Vong Phu Rock, causing serious landslides on two large rocks on the west and east sides.

Images of the reinforced Vong Phu Rock have sparked mixed reactions from the public. Photo: Tuan Minh

Large chunks of rock have chipped away, leaving long cracks running along the rock's surface. Visually, the main body of the rock mass appears to be tilted at approximately 10–15 degrees, posing a risk of collapse at any moment if not reinforced in time.

This situation creates an urgent need for intervention, but at the same time poses a difficult problem: how to safely reinforce the structure without distorting or destroying the original value of a cultural and spiritual symbol that has existed for hundreds of years?

Conservation project and a request for clarification of information before the public.

Facing the risk of losing its heritage, the People's Committee of Thanh Hoa province has approved the project "Conservation and reinforcement of the Vong Phu rock relic" with a total investment of 17 billion VND from the state budget.

The project , managed by the Provincial Project Management Board for Civil and Industrial Construction Projects, is scheduled for completion before December 31, 2025.

According to the approved plan, the main engineering solution is to reinforce the structure by drilling and inserting D14 steel bars vertically, combined with injecting SIKA GROUT 214-11 grout, a cement-based grout with high compressive and tensile strength, into cracks and boreholes along the rock body.

This method aims to connect the loose rock blocks, preventing the spread of cracks and minimizing the risk of collapse.

Vong Phu Rock after reinforcement (left) and before reinforcement (right). Photo: Tuan Minh

The project goes beyond just technical solutions ; it is also placed within the overall context of scientific recommendations.

At the scientific conference "Assessing the current situation and proposing conservation plans for the Vong Phu rock formation" held in October 2023, many geologists, architects, and cultural researchers unanimously agreed that Vong Phu rock formation is not simply a natural rock formation, but a community cultural institution, closely linked to the beliefs and spiritual life of the people.

Besides reinforcing the structure, experts also recommend installing active lightning protection systems, surge protection, additional warning barriers, and surveillance cameras to mitigate the impact of human activities and natural factors in the future.

However, in recent days, the project has attracted particular attention from several media outlets and social networks, with much information, opinions, and reflections revolving around the conservation plan, the level of intervention, and the risk of affecting the original state of the monument.

Following these developments, the People's Committee of Thanh Hoa province issued a directive to inspect, review, and address information reported in the press and public opinion related to the project.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Dau Thanh Tung, instructed the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to take the lead and coordinate with the Department of Construction, the Thanh Hoa Provincial Management Board for Investment and Construction of Civil and Industrial Works, and other relevant units and localities to urgently inspect and review the reported information; and compare it with the scientific records of the relics and the project documents approved by competent authorities.

Based on this, the relevant authorities are responsible for proactively clarifying, making statements, and providing official information to the press and the public, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance with the law on cultural heritage preservation.

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is tasked with compiling and reporting the results of implementation to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee in January 2026, and promptly proposing solutions if any issues arise that are beyond its authority.

The Provincial People's Committee also requested the Project Management Board to closely coordinate, provide complete professional documents and materials, and organize the implementation of the approved project in accordance with its contents; the Department of Construction and the People's Committee of Dong Quang Ward, based on their assigned functions and tasks, should coordinate in implementing related contents.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/ra-soat-du-an-cuu-hon-vong-phu-giua-tam-diem-du-luan-198238.html