Illicit sand exploitation along the Cai River in Khanh Hoa Province has caused serious landslides, threatening people’s lives.
Illegal sand exploitation in Cai River
Even though local authorities in the central province of Khanh Hoa have applied some measures to deal with the illegal activity, the situation has remained the same for years.
Dangers
The Cai River runs through Dien Khanh District and Nha Trang City of Khanh Hoa. Illegal sand exploitation has been occurring mainly in Dien Phu, Dien Tho, Dien Lac, Dien Son and Dien Phuoc Communes of Dien Khanh District.
“Uncontrolled sand exploitation has had serious environmental impacts, including a number of landslides that led to the destruction of homes. If drastic measures are not taken soon, the situation could spiral out of control in the next few years, said Ho Dac Thuan, an environmental official of Dien Phu Commune.
According to Thuan, to date, around 5,000 to 6,000 square metres of land have been eroded due to these activities, directly affecting at least 10 households.
Nguyen Van Coc, in Dien Phu’s Hamlet No. 1, said, "My family used to have a 700-quare-metre garden. However, last year\'s flood swept it away and damaged our home\'s foundation."
“Illegal sand exploiters often operate in the eventing, from 5am to 8pm, or even until midnight. The sounds of the dredging machines can be heard throughout the community and cause large waves along the river banks. These are what trigger landslides. We\'re still waiting for help to resettle somewhere else," said Nguyen Le Thanh Giang, of Dien Phu.
The same situation has been plaguing the residents in Dien Lac Commune.
Ms. Do Thi Minh To, in Dien Tho’s Phuoc Luong Hamlet, said, “I’m afraid of literally being swept away in flood season. During the last rainy season, my house was flooded; we have only just repaired it. Still, I\'m afraid it may not withstand with this year’s flood. We’ve made several petitions to the communal government to deal with illegal sand exploitation, but nothing has got better."
Challenges
An interdisciplinary inspection group in Dien Khanh District had dealt with 21 cases of illegal sand transportation, eight cases of illicit sand exploitation and seized several pieces of equipment last year. Violators were fined VND95 million (USD4,596) in total. An additional 16 cases were uncovered so far this year, with a combined fine of nearly VND21 million (USD1,015), said the Dien Khanh District Office of Natural Resources and Environment.
However, illegal sand exploitation is still a pressing issue in Dien Khanh. Sand exploiters operations are very mobile and difficult to track.
A site for trading in illegally exploited sand in Dien Phuoc Commune
Illegal sand exploitation leads to serious landslides
Illicitly exploited sand for sale in Dien Phu Commune
