The authorities in Binh Dinh Province are investigating the destruction of 61 hectares of forest in the last fortnight.

61 hectares of forest destroyed

Binh Dinh Forest Ranger Unit announced the investigation on September 15.

Nguyen Hong Tan, deputy head of Hoai Nhon District Forest Ranger Unit said they had found 26.6 cubic metres of timber stored at a wood chip processing factory owned by the Thuong Thao Company in Tuong Son Village, Hoai Son Commune.

According to Binh Dinh Province, the company may have destroyed the forest to illegally plant seven hectares of acacia. The acacia is being removed.

"We have to remove them now or else it'll get difficult when they grow," said Doan Van Ta, head of An Lao Forest Ranger Unit.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked Binh Dinh authorities to investigate and report back by October 30.

An Lao District authorities discovered that a vast stretch of forested land had been destroyed at the end of August. Local authorities said they were unaware of the massive deforestation taking place.

Binh Dinh provincial authorities are searching for the culprit.

dtinews