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While public opinion is still reeling from the "Ma Pi Leng Panorama" project (located in Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province), less than 20 km away, another project is underway for a scenic elevator to view the Don Cao historical site, situated right in the old town market of Dong Van district.
Reportedly, this project was licensed by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ha Giang province in late November 2017 to Mr. Nguyen Van Dan, residing in Ha Giang city. The project has an investment capital of nearly 20 billion VND and involves the construction of an elevator 102 meters high with an interior area of 15 square meters.2Perched atop the sheer cliff of Don Cao, the project, in addition to an elevator system, also includes a complex of restaurants, guesthouses, souvenir shops, and cafes on the mountaintop, covering an area of over 5,600 square meters.2to serve tourists...
The elevator, 102 meters high, clings to the cliff face of Don Cao mountain - Photo: Ngoc Quang
This project commenced in April 2019, even though the investor had not yet completed all the necessary paperwork at that time. "In February 2019, they came to work with us and presented the project, which had already been approved by the province. We reviewed it and found that they were still lacking many things, so we requested them to supplement it with a map and the planning for Area 2 (the area designated for the protection of the Dong Van Old Town relics)," said Mr. Nguyen Van Tho, a representative of the Dong Van District People's Committee. "However, the investor said that construction was already delayed, so they committed to completing the procedures while proceeding with the work."
"After nearly five months since construction began, they have failed to add the details requested by the district, and along with numerous objections from residents, the district has temporarily suspended construction. Currently, we are waiting for the investor to complete the procedures and for guidance from the province."
The Cao Fortress historical site is located within the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, which was recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark in 2010.
On October 25th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism sent a document to the People's Committee of Ha Giang province requesting strict action against the scenic elevator project at Don Cao. The Ministry stated that although the project has been implemented, it has not complied with the planning for the Dong Van Karst Plateau approved by the Prime Minister, and has not properly implemented the Ministry's opinions expressed in documents sent to Ha Giang province in mid-2018. The Ministry requested the People's Committee of Ha Giang province to direct relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive inspection and resolutely handle violations in accordance with the law on cultural heritage and other related legal documents.
The Prime Minister also approved two plans for the Dong Van Karst Plateau in 2017: the Master Plan for Tourism Development of the Dong Van Karst Plateau National Tourist Area, Ha Giang Province, until 2025, with a vision to 2030; and the Plan for the Construction of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark, Ha Giang Province, until 2030.
