Reporting to Lao Dong Newspaper, residents of Dam Muong 12 hamlet, Minh Duc commune (Pho Yen city) said that the sand and gravel exploitation process of Mai Linh Company Limited has caused the shore of this area to erode every day, making people feel insecure and worried.
According to the reporter's records at the end of October 2024, in the area close to the bank of Cong River through Minh Duc commune, sand and gravel mining activities were taking place vigorously.
The dredgers are operating at full capacity, the roar of the machinery blends with the sound of the dredge buckets digging into the Cong River bed and then pulling sand and gravel up to be transferred to the transport boats.
Due to mining near the shore, patches of land on the riverbank gradually cracked and were pulled down and washed away by the water. The water around the dredger turned murky and patchy on the surface of the Cong River.
Mr. Hoang Van Tuan (Dam Muong 12 hamlet, Minh Duc commune) said that sand mining has caused riverbank erosion for nearly a year now, causing negative impacts on the environment and the lives of local people.
"Previously, this riverbank was quite stable, but now it is gradually narrowing. To prevent erosion, I planted bamboo clumps to protect it, but that is only a temporary solution. The bamboo clumps are at risk of being washed away at the base and falling into the river.
People have petitioned the authorities many times but so far there has been no resolution. At this rate, one day the landslide will reach my garden and my house," Mr. Tuan worried.
Similarly, Mr. Chu Duc Sinh (Dam Muong 12 hamlet, Minh Duc commune) said that the sand mining activities of Mai Linh Company Limited not only affect the environment and land in the area, but the noise from the operating machinery also has a significant impact on the lives of local residents.
“Since the dredger came here to mine sand near the shore, the noise has been rumbling all day long. Many times when I come home from work, I can’t sleep, I’m both frustrated and tired.
Before the sand mining, life here was very peaceful, but now it is always tense because of this constant noise. I just hope that the units and authorities will take measures so that we can return to the quiet days like before," said Mr. Sinh.
According to Mr. Sinh, the rampant exploitation has caused many areas to erode and encroach deeply into the banks. A strip of riverbank is being eroded every day, making people angry.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Tran Van Hung - Chairman of Minh Duc Commune People's Committee confirmed that the mining and gathering location of Mai Linh Company Limited is located on the border between 3 localities of Dac Son, Pho Co, Minh Duc, so it is difficult to manage.
"Sand and gravel mining and gathering activities will begin in 2022. The locality will inspect and remind people about the landslide situation along the riverbank in the commune in the coming time to ensure safety," the leader added.
