Landslides increase, fish rafts are overgrown by illegal sand mining
In recent years, riverbank landslides and illegal sand mining in Vinh Long have become a constant concern, directly affecting the lives, livelihoods and safety of people living along rivers and islets.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Lam, a fish raft farmer in Cu Lao An Binh, said that illegal sand mining is seriously affecting fish farming and the family's livelihood.
He was upset: "Sand suction boats are operating vigorously, near the fish farming area. The noise and shaking and above all, my fish raft had broken anchor ropes and drifted away, causing great damage".
A similar situation also occurs in Thanh Long Islet, where Ms. Nguyen Thanh Lam lives. Ms. Lam said that at night, illegal sand boats operate vigorously, approaching the islet area, eroding the islet foot.
"Soloding now happens 3-4 times a year, before it was only once every 2-3 years, sweeping away soil, crops and houses. It's so heartbreaking! I hope the government will take stronger measures to protect people's property and lives".
These opinions show the scale of illegal sand mining and the serious consequences, requiring drastic intervention from authorities at all levels.
Provincial Party Secretary directs Police to deploy a special project
According to data from Vinh Long Provincial Police, in the first 10 months of 2025, Vinh Long discovered and handled 346 cases of illegal sand mining and transportation violations, prosecuted 3 criminal cases, and fined 442 cases with a total amount of over VND4.6 billion.
Since the implementation of the Peak Plan on September 17 alone, the whole province has handled 98 cases of illegal sand violations, fined 28 cases 134.35 million VND, and confiscated 1,296.52 m3 of sand. Before the serious landslide, the Standing Committee of Vinh Long Provincial Party Committee took drastic measures.
Mr. Tran Van Lau - Secretary of Vinh Long Provincial Party Committee - said that according to a report from the Department of Agriculture and Environment, from the beginning of 2025 to now, the whole province has had 135 landslides, with a total length of more than 7.6 km, affecting 521 households, causing an estimated damage of VND24.7 billion.
In addition to objective causes such as tides and climate change, illegal sand mining is also one of the main factors causing landslides, especially in An Binh Islet, Thanh Long Islet...
Faced with this situation, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee has directed the Vinh Long Provincial Police to develop a plan and establish a special project to destroy illegal mineral exploitation, transportation and trading subjects.
"The establishment of the project demonstrates the highest determination of the provincial leaders to end illegal sand mining, protect people's property and lives and restore order in managing resources and minerals," Mr. Lau added.
* The names of the two characters are changed upon request.
