On April 6, according to Lao Dong, at the 35th session, the People's Council of Lang Son province, term XVII, passed a Resolution to adjust the policy of converting forest use to other purposes to serve two key expressway projects including the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang route and the Dong Dang - Tra Linh route.
The total forest area proposed for conversion is 94.97ha, of which 6.37ha belongs to the Huu Nghi - Chi Lang border gate expressway project (BOT form), and 88.60ha belongs to the Dong Dang - Tra Linh expressway construction investment project (PPP form).
These two projects are both on the list of key transport infrastructure projects, playing an important role in connecting the Northeast region with international economic corridors. In which:
The Huu Nghi - Chi Lang project has a total land use area of about 640.28 hectares, passing through 16 communes and towns in Lang Son city and Chi Lang, Cao Loc, and Van Lang districts. The converted forest area increased by 6.37 hectares compared to Resolution No. 47/NQ-HDND dated September 30, 2024, mainly due to the addition of dumping sites during construction.
The Dong Dang - Tra Linh project is about 93.35km long, passing through Lang Son and Cao Bang. The additional forest area to change the purpose is 88.60 hectares, arising from the adjustment of route direction and expansion of site clearance scope after the basic design step.
According to the report of the Provincial People's Committee, the forest area with changed purposes has been reviewed and assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Forestry Law, Decree No. 156/2018/ND-CP and Decree No. 91/2024/ND-CP.
The conversion is assessed to be in accordance with the National Forestry Planning, Lang Son Provincial Planning for the period 2021-2030 and district-level land use planning.
Of which, the affected forest includes 68.25 hectares of natural forest (including protective forests, production forests and non-forestry planning) and 26.72 hectares of planted forest.
