Investigating the mass felling of trees at Freshwater Lake, Can Tho.

In recent days, following reports from the press and local residents, the local authorities have acknowledged the unexplained felling of numerous large mahogany trees in the Ho Nuoc Ngot Cultural Area (Soc Trang Ward, Can Tho City). The incident has attracted public attention, raising many questions about the transparency of the timber handling and collection process in the area.

A tree trunk was cut down by the roadside.

According to observations by a Vietnam News Agency reporter on the afternoon of December 12, the area where the incident occurred is located in a secluded section of road, near a mini football field, with less traffic compared to the main road around the lake.

Along a stretch of approximately 250 meters, about 20 mahogany trees have been felled. The cuts are still fresh, revealing the still-red wood inside. Notably, the largest tree stump recorded has a diameter of up to 80 cm.

The scene showed many tree trunks lying scattered on both sides of the road. Some tree stumps, after being cut down, were temporarily covered with soil, grass, and leaves.

Although the area is quiet, some people still come here to exercise or take a shortcut to the football field. A local resident who regularly exercises along this road said that these tree stumps were most likely cut down only about a week ago.

At the scene, a tree stump was found, with the trunk still intact and not yet transported away.

The leaders of the Soc Trang Ward People's Committee confirmed receiving feedback from residents. Local authorities dispatched police to verify the information and confirmed that the tree felling was indeed as reported. Currently, the Ward People's Committee has reported the incident to higher-level authorities for guidance and appropriate action.

The Ho Nuoc Ngot Cultural Area has long been considered the "green lung" in the heart of the former Soc Trang City. It's not only a familiar place for recreation and exercise for generations of people, but also a venue for important local cultural events.

The silent felling of numerous large trees, for reasons unknown, has caused public outrage. If left unaddressed, this action will set a bad precedent for urban management, especially in the context of the recent reorganization of administrative units and the establishment of a two-tiered local government structure.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/xa-hoi/xac-minh-vu-hang-loat-cay-bi-don-ha-tai-ho-nuoc-ngot-can-tho-20251212220809592.htm