Gia Lai orders probe of tree‑cutting at Ia Hrú commune

The deputy secretary of the Standing Committee of the Gia Lai Provincial Party Committee has directed the provincial party committee and provincial government to urgently verify and clarify the recent removal of dozens of trees at the former H'Bông commune headquarters, now Ia Hrú commune. The investigation focuses on 13 trees that were cut, including ten xà cừ (bamboo‑like trees) and three phượng vĩ (phoenix trees), with trunk diameters ranging from 60‑95 cm at the base. Officials noted a discrepancy: the harvested wood pieces showed smaller diameters (30‑77 cm) than the original trunks, prompting questions about the cutting process.

Local authorities reported that the security team at the former police station permitted the cutting, citing strong winds that had broken branches and created a risk of the trees falling and damaging fence structures. The provincial party committee has ordered a thorough inquiry, strict disciplinary action against any individuals or organisations found at fault, and a report on the findings to be submitted by August 2026.