On September 11, the Management Board of Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Thanh Hoa) said that the unit had just proposed to the People's Committee of Pu Luong commune to coordinate in inspecting and temporarily suspending the visit to Hang Doi Kho Muong due to the risk of unsafety.
Previously, the Management Board of Pu Luong Nature Reserve received feedback from tourists about the unsafe situation at Kho Muong Bat Cave, in Kho Muong village, Pu Luong commune.
According to reports, during the cave visit, tourists discovered small soil and rocks scattered in many locations inside. Notably, some large stone blocks are located above, posing a risk of falling into the tourist area.
The Management Board of Pu Luong Nature Reserve assessed that the reflected content is directly related to the safety of life and health of people and tourists, so it needs to be inspected, verified and handled promptly.
Hang Doi Kho Muong is located in a special-use forest area under the management of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. However, to date, the Management Board of Pu Luong Nature Reserve has not organized or implemented tourism and exploitation activities here.
According to information the unit has grasped, the activity of welcoming visitors at Hang Doi Kho Muong is currently organized and charged by the community and people of Kho Muong village. This activity has not been permitted by competent authorities according to regulations.
To prevent the risk of incidents, the Management Board of Pu Luong Nature Reserve proposed that the People's Committee of Pu Luong commune direct the immediate suspension of the organization and transportation of visitors to visit and explore Hang Doi Kho Muong until there are specific inspection and assessment results on safety conditions and handling plans agreed upon by competent authorities.
Along with that, Kho Muong village is proposed to temporarily suspend the collection of entrance fees and service activities related to bringing visitors into the cave during the inspection and evaluation period.
The Management Board of Pu Luong Nature Reserve also proposed to coordinate with the People's Committee of Pu Luong commune to organize actual inspection and survey at Doi Kho Muong Cave to assess the current geological status, terrain, landslide situation, soil and rock falling and locations at risk of unsafety for tourists.
Based on the inspection results, the units will propose appropriate handling solutions such as identifying dangerous areas, zoning restricted access areas, reinforcing or handling locations at risk of unsafety, arranging warning signs, controlling people entering and leaving before considering allowing sightseeing activities to resume.
At the same time, the locality is requested to strengthen inspection and supervision, prevent the act of arbitrarily bringing visitors to Hang Doi Kho Muong during the temporary suspension period; review toll collection activities and services in this area in accordance with authority and regulations.
