Urbanisation threatens Da Lat

A surge in construction is raising the alarm in the pristine mountain resort town of Da Lat. Nguyen Duc Phuc from the Lam Dong Tourism Association spoke Tuoi Tre Cuoi Tuan (Youth Weekend).
A lot of people say Da Lat's attractiveness as a tourist destination stems from its natural resources and French heritage but hasn't construction has also played a role in the city's development?
The construction works have largely been hotels, villas and residential projects which have destroyed pine forests and hills. Rapid urbanisation in the absence of urban planning is transforming Da Lat. Wide roads and high buildings do not suit Da Lat which is famous for its tranquil scenery. But to date there have been no projects aimed at preserving Da Lat's natural beauty.
Is the process of urbanisation in Da Lat harming the city's tourism industry?
Yes. Of a total of 700 hotels, many still lack parking areas. This has resulted in a situation in which people park on the road and encroach on school and office space. Culture and heritage have also been affected. There is no opera house and out of three historic cinemas, only one remains. Traffic jams are also getting worse even though the total population of the city is only 200,000.
Previously, an urban plan for Da Lat was drafted and seriously discussed although development has not followed the plan. In the mean time Da Lat's beauty is fading and everyone can see it.
What is the best land in Da Lat?
The green areas such as the pine forests and hills. We are always proud of Da Lat for being "the city inside the forest" and tourists like Da Lat for this reason.
Pine forests are however steadily disappearing as construction works increase. Over the next few years construction of a resort near Tuyen Lam lake and Mimosa and Prenn mountain passes, will replace more pine forests.
This is the first time ever that pine forests and hills are being destroyed to make way for property developments.
How did this situation come about?
The biggest reason is that urbanisation did not follow a plan.
Trade, agriculture and tourism development belong to common plan but the same has not been true for property development. For example, the local government recently regulated building height and banned construction work in certain areas although construction of high buildings has continued unabated.
What are your suggestions for rescuing Da Lat tourism?
It is important to remember that tourism in Da Lat was developed on natural beauty which the French understood very well.
The French also understood how to create a culture of tourism. For example, they named the streets after flowers and cared for the pine forests and lakes. I think we could learn something from this respect for nature.