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Illegal sand mining threatens Thua Thien-Hue tourism site

Authorities in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue's Phu Loc District are investigating an illegal sand mining along a stream under the Bach Ma Mountain.

Illegal sand mining threatens Thua Thien-Hue tourism site - 1

Rampant sand mining activities going on in the Thac Do Stream in Thua Thien-Hue Province. Photo by Vi Thao

The move came following complaints from local residents about rampant sand mining activities in the Thac Do Stream. 

Initial investigations showed that sand mining activities have been going on at two sections of the stream which are located near the road leading to an eco-tourism site.

According to some local people, these activities have occurred for several years but have become more rampant on a large scale recently.

"The rampant sand mining has changed the waterflow in the Thac Do Stream, which is a famous tourist attraction in our area," a resident said. "In addition, it is posing landslide threats to surrounding residential areas downstream."

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The rampant sand mining has changed the waterflow in the Thac Do Stream. Photo by Vi Thao

Speaking about the problem, the vice chairman of Lang Co Town People's Committee, Hoang Trong Huy, said that no organisations or individuals have been given permission to carry out sand mining in the Thac Do Stream.

"Following complaints from local residents, we've sent a team to the area but all the activities had been stopped at the site before we arrived," the official said.

Huy also added that they detected and issued a fine of over VND38 million against a local man for illegally exploiting sand at the Thac Do Stream in April last year.

"We're expanding the investigation into the case," he said.