The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism late last week requested the Ha Giang People’s Committee to make a thorough review of the construction of the Lung Cu spiritual, cutural and eco-tourism complex by Phuc Loc Group and penalize violations related to its construction.

The complex construction ignored two master plans for the Dong Van karst plateau’s tourism development and  the development of a global geopark in Dong Van, both approved by the Prime Minister in 2017, the ministry said in a document.

The ministry also noted Ha Giang ignored their comments on this project in a document it sent to the province in 2018. 

The 56-hectare Lung Cu spiritual, cutural and eco-tourism complex project, capitalized at VND889 billion ($38.25 million), comprises seven temples, guest houses and areas for tourism services.

The construction began in 2016 after being approved by provincial authorities. It has upset locals since the developer took over their cultivation land and relocated many Hmong graves.

The Lung Cu spiritual, cutural and eco-tourism complex project under construction
in Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province. Photo acquired by VnExpress.

Part of the Lung Cu complex is built in the buffer zone of the Lung Cu Flag Tower which is a national relic in Dong Van.

The Lung Cu Flag Tower, inaugurated in September 2010 in Ha Giang, marks the country's northernmost and offers a view of some spectacular landscapes in northwestern Vietnam. The 1,470 meters tall tower in Lung Cu Commune is a proud marker and a symbol of the nation's sovereignty.

The Dong Van karst plateau is one of the two UNESCO-recognized global geoparks in Vietnam, together with Non Nuoc Cao Bang in Cao Bang Province.

This is not the first scandal involving construction in violation of norms Ha Giang Province has had to deal with this month. On October 15 a hotel built within the buffer zone of Ma Pi Leng Pass, a national scenic spot, was closed by authorities in Meo Vac District.