Illegal "View Hunting" Structures Demolished on National Highway 27 in Dak Lak Province

The People’s Procuracy of Dak Lak Province has ordered the demolition of several unauthorized structures, commonly referred to as "view hunting" houses, that encroached upon the corridor of National Highway 27, specifically in the area of Buon Tua Srah Lake, Krong No Commune, Dak Lak Province. The investigation, conducted by the People’s Procuracy of Sector 6, confirmed violations related to the construction of these properties, which were built to capitalize on scenic views.

Background and Discovery of Violations

The operation to dismantle the illegal constructions commenced on July 20th, following media reports highlighting the proliferation of these "view hunting" structures along the lakeside. These reports sparked public concern regarding land encroachment and potential safety hazards along a vital transportation artery. The investigation was initiated by the People’s Procuracy of Sector 6 in coordination with relevant authorities to ascertain the facts and take appropriate action.

The investigation identified Mr. Vu Tien Dat, aged 44, residing in Nam Ban Commune, Lam Dong Province, as the individual responsible for the construction of the illegal structures. Mr. Dat had occupied and built upon a significant portion of land designated as a protected buffer zone and safety corridor for the national highway at Km 76+130 of National Highway 27.

Nature of the Encroachments

The scale of the encroachment was substantial, with Mr. Dat reportedly leveling land, expanding the occupied area, and creating artificial ponds. The total encroached area was found to be 1,298.07 square meters. This occupation involved leveling the terrain, expanding the footprint of the structures, and constructing artificial water bodies, further exacerbating the violation. The construction of these unauthorized facilities posed a direct threat to the safety of the national highway’s traffic corridor and the integrity of the protected lakeside area.

The actions undertaken by Mr. Dat constituted a clear violation of regulations governing land use, environmental protection, and road safety. The creation of artificial landscapes and structures within a protected zone, particularly along a national highway, is strictly prohibited due to the potential for traffic accidents and environmental damage.

Chronology of Actions and Enforcement

The People’s Procuracy of Sector 6 played a pivotal role in addressing this issue. Upon receiving information about the illegal constructions, they initiated a thorough investigation.

• Initial Reporting: Media outlets first brought attention to the widespread issue of unauthorized "view hunting" structures being built along the Buon Tua Srah Lake, a popular scenic spot in Krong No Commune, Dak Lak Province.
• Investigation Launched: Prompted by these reports, the People’s Procuracy of Sector 6, in collaboration with relevant local agencies, began a comprehensive investigation into the land use violations.
• Identification of Perpetrator: The investigation confirmed that Mr. Vu Tien Dat was responsible for the significant land encroachment and construction activities.
• Issuance of Enforcement Measures: On April 3rd, 2026, the People’s Procuracy of Sector 6 issued a decision requiring Mr. Dat to cease all illegal activities and dismantle the unauthorized constructions. This order mandated the restoration of the land to its original state, emphasizing the need to rectify the violations that impacted traffic safety and the protected lake area.
• Demolition and Compliance: By July 20th, 2026, all the identified illegal "view hunting" structures had been successfully dismantled and removed, bringing the properties into compliance with the law.

Legal Framework and Implications

The actions taken against Mr. Dat were in direct response to violations of Vietnamese land law and regulations concerning the protection of national highways and public infrastructure. The Land Law of Vietnam stipulates that land designated for public infrastructure, such as national highways and protected environmental zones, cannot be encroached upon or illegally occupied. Furthermore, the construction of any structures within these designated areas requires strict adherence to planning and safety regulations, with permits issued by the relevant authorities.

The "view hunting" phenomenon, where individuals construct properties to exploit scenic vistas, has become a growing concern in many tourist areas. While legitimate tourism development is encouraged, illegal encroachments pose significant risks, including:

• Traffic Safety Hazards: Structures too close to roadways can obstruct visibility, create blind spots, and increase the likelihood of accidents. Unauthorized earthworks or alterations to the landscape can also destabilize road infrastructure.
• Environmental Degradation: Encroachments in protected areas, like lakeshores, can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and damage to local ecosystems.
• Undermining Land Management: Illegal construction undermines the efforts of local authorities to manage land resources effectively and implement sustainable development plans.
• Erosion of Public Trust: When illegal activities are perceived to go unaddressed, it can erode public trust in the enforcement of laws and regulations.

Official Response and Public Reaction

The swift action by the People’s Procuracy of Dak Lak Province in response to the media reports and subsequent investigation has been met with public approval. The demolition of the illegal structures demonstrates a commitment to upholding land management laws and ensuring the safety and environmental integrity of public spaces.

Local authorities have indicated that they will continue to monitor the area closely to prevent any recurrence of such violations. The incident serves as a reminder to both developers and the public about the importance of respecting land use regulations and obtaining proper permits before undertaking any construction projects, especially in ecologically sensitive or critical infrastructure areas. The successful resolution of this case is expected to deter future illegal encroachments and reinforce the importance of responsible land development practices in Dak Lak Province and beyond. The authorities are committed to preserving the natural beauty and safety of the region for both residents and visitors.