On 29/7, the Hue City Military Command announced that from 30/7 to 30/9, its engineering company will dismantle combat structures within the Hue Imperial City. These include: 26 bunkers, two hideouts, two guard posts, and one anti-aircraft position.

Separately, seven military bunkers at the Tran Hai Thanh relic in Thuan An ward will be removed by the Border Guard Command. The total dismantling cost for all structures is over 30 billion VND.

These structures were built during the American War, from 1957 to 1975. They are no longer effective for national defense and negatively impact the landscape of the Nguyen Dynasty relic.

Military bunker system on Hue Citadel's Thuong Thanh relic at Tay Thanh Thuy Quan. Photo: Vo Thanh

Cultural researchers in Hue City widely support the dismantling of these bunkers. They note that the structures hold little value beyond their historical significance as remnants of war. Many bunkers are built into or overlap the city walls, gates, and fortresses, detracting from the aesthetic appeal of the heritage site.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to preserve and restore the Hue Imperial City to its original Nguyen Dynasty value. Previously, Hue City relocated residents and cleared constructions built after the imperial era. The plan involves moving 4,915 households, comprising 2,233 main and 2,682 secondary households, from the relic area, with a total estimated cost of nearly 1,890 billion VND.

Vo Thanh