Massive Tree Chopping Reported in Many Vietnamese Cities

Massive felling of street trees has been recorded in a number of cities across Vietnam, not only in the capital city of Hanoi, according to state media. Earlier this month, Hanoi started its plan to cut 6,700 aged trees in its main streets and replace with young seedlings. After laying down nearly 2,000 trees, most of them are healthy and valuable, the city temporarily suspended the campaign after facing strong protest from local residents. Hue, the old citadel in the central region, is said to have a plan to cut down 3,800 aged trees in its main streets. Many residents in the northern city of Hai Duong have reported that 300 aged trees in the city have been chopped down. However, local residents have not objected to the plan. Meanwhile, citizens in the southern city of Tay Ninh have complained that numerous trees in main streets have been cut by the local electricity company which tries to clear way for electrical transmission system. (thanhnien.com.vn Mar 27, baodatviet.vn Mar 26)