Illegal company stopped from filling flooded forest in Banteay Meanchey

An illegal company that was not identified was stopped by authorities from filling in a protected flooded forest area in Banteay Meanchey province.

Some villagers in Preah Netr Preah district’s Rohal commune said that in less than one year, 300 hectares were cleared and filled and accused authorities of conspiring with the company while others are just happy the company was stopped.

Sok Rithy, a district resident, said many families are worried that they cannot catch fish like they used to but the fact that the authorities stopped the company makes him happy. 

Preah Netr Preah district governor Khun Pao told Khmer Times yesterday there was no conspiracy.

“I care (about the people in my district) and solved the problem. I went to the location last week to stop the land clearing by the illegal company because they did not have an official licence,” he said.

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Yin Soeum