KAMPONG CHHNANG: Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction Chea Sophara has arrived in Kampong Chhnang province on Monday to investigate the deforestation and encroachment issues surrounding the Tonle Sap Lake. The investigation is in accordance to the order of Prime Minister Hun Sen following reports that government officials in the province are involved in land grabbing around the lake.

Minsiter Chea Sophara has met with leaders of the provincial aid team, the provincial governor and relevant officials, and then proceeded to inspect the flooded forest area to set out the plan on the crackdown.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Hun Sen has ordered the anti-corruption unit and relevant authorities to crack down on deforestation and encroachment case in the Tonle Sap Lake on Sunday. He has raised concerns about the shrinking nature of the Tonle Sap Lake due to deforestation and land expansion. The Prime Minister says the human degradation into the lake has seriously effects in the natural resource ecosystem.

Minister Chea Sophara has established a working group to inspect and investigate the encroachment on flooded forest land in the Tonle Sap area in Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap and Kampong Thom provinces.

 According to local sources, thousands of hectares of flooded forest land in Areas 2 and 3 in Kampong Chhnang province have been destroyed by corrupt people, including government officials, the armed forces and the people stealing, clearing and taking ownership every year.

In Kampong Chhnang province, the involved areas are mostly in Chronok commune and Plou Touk commune, Kampong Leng district, Peam Chkork commune, Chulkiri district, Khon Rong commune and Chhnuk Trou commune, Boribo district and in Kampong Chhnang city.