Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have relocated and removed 186 trees along Pham Van Dong Boulevard to facilitate construction of the Ring Road 2 project, prompting mixed reactions from residents who have long associated the tree-lined avenue with the city's urban landscape.
Many trees on Pham Van Dong Road have been felled (Photo: Xuan Doan).
In recent days, motorists travelling along Pham Van Dong Boulevard have witnessed large sections of roadside greenery being cleared. While some trees have been uprooted for relocation, others have been cut down close to their bases.
Construction barriers have also been installed along both sides of the road as site preparation work continues.
According to the project's investor, work is under way in coordination with relevant agencies to clear the affected area around the Pham Van Dong interchange and hand over the site for construction.
A total of 186 trees are affected by the project. Of these, 45 trees considered healthy enough for transplantation will be uprooted and transferred to a nursery, where they will be cared for over a six-month period before being replanted.
Forty-five trees were uprooted for care and replanting (Photo: NTD).
The remaining trees have been assessed as unlikely to survive relocation due to poor health, decay or failure to meet technical standards, and will therefore be removed.
Tree relocation and clearance activities began about a week ago. Authorities expect the process of removing affected trees and completing site clearance to be finished within the next 10 to 15 days.
Given the location on one of Ho Chi Minh City's busiest transport corridors, project managers said they are working with traffic police and other agencies to regulate traffic flow and minimise disruption for road users during construction.