The dragon mascot fined: Hoping for permission to be granted, increasing the attractiveness of Da Lat.

The pair of dragon mascots, "Two Dragons Paying Homage to Each Other," which were the symbol of the Nguyen Hue flower street during Tet 2024, were forced to be dismantled after being installed in Da Lat - Photo: MV

Many readers of Tuoi Tre newspaper have responded to the incident from various perspectives. The majority believe that this is a work of sculptural art, using environmentally friendly materials. Therefore, applying regulations in the form of a construction project is inappropriate, causing difficulties for tourism businesses and potentially leading to waste.

Why didn't the dragons on Nguyen Hue flower street survive when they were brought to Da Lat?

You did it right, but...

As Tuoi Tre Online previously reported, the People's Committee of Da Lat City decided to fine Indochina Railway Investment and Trading Joint Stock Company (hereinafter referred to as Indochina Company) for installing an unauthorized dragon structure and model on a plot of land at 1 Quang Trung Street (Ward 9, Da Lat City).

The fine imposed by the Da Lat City People's Committee is 90 million VND, and the Dong Duong Company is required to dismantle the dragon model within 10 days.

According to Tuoi Tre Online , the pair of dragon models that were ordered to be dismantled for unauthorized installation were the "Two Dragons Paying Homage" dragon mascots - one of the highlights of Nguyen Hue flower street during the Lunar New Year 2024 (Year of the Dragon).

The pair of dragon sculptures, each over 100 meters long, with dragon heads more than 2 meters in diameter, were dismantled on April 3-4 after more than two months of display on Nguyen Hue Flower Street (Ho Chi Minh City) and transported to Da Lat.

The pair of dragon mascots were transported to Da Lat in 17 trucks - Photo: MV

In this case, Indochina Company admitted fault for failing to obtain the necessary permits for the installation of the structure.

Reader Le Minh Ky Lan commented: "The fault lies with Indochina Company: They installed it secretly without permission, affecting the land in that area."

Regarding the news that the iconic dragon sculptures must be dismantled, reader Tran Binh commented: "The artisans have poured so much heart, effort, and money into creating these beautiful mascots for everyone to admire. Having a place to display them without causing significant environmental damage should be encouraged and allowed."

90% of the Two Dragons Paying Homage dragon mascots are made from rattan and bamboo materials - Photo: MV

Reader Minh Mẫn expressed his frustration: “Why fine them? If a business spoils the aesthetics and negatively impacts the city, then they should be fined. But they built it within their own premises, without constructing anything permanent, and it beautified the city and created new tourist attractions. Instead, businesses should be guided on how to do things correctly and supported.”

A reader with the email address vnbac…@gmail.com frankly stated: “Da Lat is doing the right thing. Otherwise, later on, anything discarded elsewhere could be brought here without permission.”

Removing the dragon mascot while it's still usable is a waste.

Artisans in Ho Chi Minh City have created a pair of very detailed dragons - Photo: MV

Many readers view the materials used to create the iconic "Two Dragons Paying Homage" motif as being approximately 90% rattan and bamboo. These are environmentally friendly materials.

Reusing artwork after it has been displayed on Nguyen Hue Flower Street (Ho Chi Minh City) during Tet not only prevents waste but also extends the lifespan of a meticulously crafted work of art made by artisans in Ho Chi Minh City.

Reader Hoang Thi Hanh said: "This is just an assembled structure, not a solidly built one. Moreover, the company was given it as a gift to use for display on the company's land."

While I understand that the company's oversight in not obtaining permission from the Da Lat city authorities before installation is a violation, I personally believe these dragon mascots are purely for display, enhancing the landscape and attracting more tourists to the city.

"I earnestly request that the city of Da Lat provide guidance and assistance to the business in obtaining all necessary permits related to this pair of dragon mascots, so that the business can continue to display them for our people to admire."

Many readers suggested that Da Lat City should provide guidance to businesses on completing licensing applications - Photo: MV

Another noteworthy comment: "The artwork is so wonderful; it only went to the trouble of transporting it to enhance the beauty of Da Lat City. Throwing it away would be a huge waste."

You can refer to the regulations of Ho Chi Minh City.

Reader Hieu Trung suggests that when erecting these dragons on Nguyen Hue flower street, the unit must have applied for and received permission. This could be a useful guide for businesses.

Reader Hieu Trung's opinion: "Reusing artwork and natural resources for decorative and aesthetic purposes is commendable, as it helps protect nature and the fruits of labor."

I believe the Da Lat authorities should provide guidance in this case, instead of forcing the demolition of unauthorized constructions as per regulations.

"If it's said that the construction was unauthorized, then what permit did Ho Chi Minh City issue for this project when it was installed on Nguyen Hue flower street? Now, Da Lat City is guiding the company to apply for a permit according to the proper procedures. Thank you to the Da Lat City government."

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vu-linh-vat-rong-bi-phat-mong-duoc-cap-phep-tang-suc-hap-dan-cho-da-lat-20240521121723107.htm