This tourism area, operated by Cuong Thuan IDICO Company, has become a popular weekend and short-holiday destination for visitors.
According to the Dong Nai Department of Construction, only three structures in the project have received construction permits, 30 have undergone renovations, and 11 new buildings have been erected without authorisation.
Cuong Thuan IDICO has invested in large-scale new developments, including hotels and restaurants, to serve tourists without obtaining the necessary permits.
The Vinh Cuu District People's Committee has fined the company VND120 million for unauthorised construction. However, while Cuong Thuan IDICO has complied with the acceptable payment, it has yet to fully implement remedial measures.
The tourism area lacks an Environmental Impact Assessment, and its wastewater discharge system does not meet regulatory requirements.
The provincial people's committee has fined the tourism project VND1.5 billion for environmental violations, including the absence of an environmental impact assessment report, relevant environmental permits, and proper waste collection and treatment measures.
During the inspection period, Cuong Thuan IDICO temporarily suspended operations at the O-Dong Truong Islands tourism site in early March.
Previously, the Dong Nai provincial government had called for an investigation into irregularities regarding the use of a 24-hectare land area for construction and tourism activities on O Island and Dong Truong Island. Local authorities then decided to revoke land use rights for O Island and Dong Truong Island, transferring management to the Dong Nai Provincial Land Development Centre.
Covering an area of 323 square kilometres, Tri An Hydropower Reservoir is the largest hydropower lake in southern Vietnam, situated within the Dong Nai River basin. In addition to generating electricity for the national grid, the reservoir is crucial in providing water for domestic and agricultural use, preventing salinity intrusion, and regulating downstream flooding in the Dong Nai River system.
