Over the past week, many trees in Ho Nuoc Ngot Cultural Park (Soc Trang ward, Can Tho city) were illegally cut down. According to residents, in the old ornamental plant business area next to the small lake, about 200 meters from the main gate, 6 mahogany trees were cut. The tree trunks have been removed, leaving only stumps 50-70 cm in diameter, with fresh saw marks, covered by soil and grass.

Many felled tree branches left at the scene in Ho Nuoc Ngot Cultural Park. Duc Nguyen

Behind the management building and exhibition fairground, many other trees were felled, with dry branches and leaves scattered around. In the area behind the large lake, near the mini football field, about 30 mahogany, rain tree, and eucalyptus trees were cut down, with many branches lying haphazardly along the roadside.

The Soc Trang Ward People's Committee stated that the scene showed fresh soil and tree stumps, while all the tree trunks had been transported elsewhere. The areas where the incident occurred were not equipped with surveillance cameras. Initial verification revealed that multiple individuals participated in felling the trees, using at least 7 truckloads to transport the timber out.

A leader from the Can Tho City Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism stated that the unit had no policy to fell a series of trees in the park. Through initial investigation, authorities identified the involved group, including security guards and park management staff.

According to the Ward People's Committee, following the administrative boundary merger, Ho Nuoc Ngot Cultural Park falls under the direct management of the Can Tho City Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

A corner of Ho Nuoc Ngot Cultural Park. Minh Chau

Ho Nuoc Ngot Cultural Park spans approximately 20 hectares, located on Hung Vuong street, and was built over 50 years ago. The area features two lakes covering about 30% of its total area, along with an exhibition fairground, an outdoor playground, and a system of long-standing trees. It previously hosted many major cultural events for Soc Trang province and now serves Can Tho city.

An Binh